42-year-old Josip Maric, a now-former Assistant Basketball Coach at Texas A&M in Commerce, was one of four arrested on charges of Aggravated Promotion of Prostitution Wednesday.
According to a press release from the Dallas Police Department, DPD received tips in the fall of 2018 regarding a number of illicit massage businesses in the 11000 block of Emerald St.
The press release goes on to explain illicit massage businesses are often the hub of human sex trafficking and prostitution; which is a top priority for the Dallas Police Department’s Vice Unit.
The ongoing investigation confirmed that prostitution was occurring, and three separate businesses were in fact, all connected by one group of owner/operators. Additionally, observations of these businesses seemed to indicate the possibility of trafficking persons into the business for prostituting them.
On Wednesday, search warrants were executed at the businesses, and at residences in Lewisville and Commerce.
Maric, along with 44-year-old Yenrudee Anuson, were taken into custody in Commerce by DPS, Commerce Police Department, Texas A&M Commerce University Police Department, and the Dallas Police Department.
53-year-old Steven Eix was taken into custody in Lewisville by the Lewisville Police Department and the Dallas Police Department, and 54-year-old Pornthipa Khan was taken into custody in Honolulu, by HSI and the US Marshals Task Force.
All four were arrested on charges of Aggravated Promotion of Prostitution.
The university released a statement Wednesday night stating Maric had been terminated.
Dallas Police Detectives also detained multiple individuals who were inside the businesses. Detectives are currently working to determine if any of those individuals are victims of trafficking. Those found to be victims of trafficking will be provided with support services and diversion opportunities.
