IRVING, Texas - An undercover operation by the Irving Police Vice Unit on Thursday, December 4, led to the arrest of a man accused of soliciting sexual services at a local motel.
As part of an ongoing effort to combat human trafficking, an Irving officer working in an undercover capacity posted an online advertisement on a European-based personals site known to be used exclusively for commercial sex. The officer posed as an adult woman in Irving and listed a contact number.
A man later texted the officer asking about availability and inquired about a quick sexual encounter for $100. He was directed to the Motel 6 located at 3950 W. Airport Freeway. After arriving at the property, he was given a room number. When he entered the room, officers immediately detained him.
The suspect, identified as 28-year-old Shawn Michael Matthews, was arrested and booked into the Irving Jail at 3:46 p.m. He is charged with Solicitation of Prostitution, which Texas law classifies as a felony. Under the 2021 update to state law, a first-time conviction is punishable by 180 days to two years in state jail and a possible fine of up to $10,000.
The law was strengthened to target the demand side of human trafficking, making solicitation a felony while prostitution itself remains a misdemeanor. Since the arrest, Matthews posted a $1,000 bond and was released.
Irving Police is very active in their continued work to identify offenders and reduce trafficking activity in the city. We applaud their efforts.
