In a significant development, a DeSoto man has been sentenced to life in federal prison for drugging and exploiting young girls in commercial sex, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas, Leigha Simonton.
Anjum Zafar Mian, 42, was found guilty in July 2023 on fifteen counts related to sex trafficking of adults and minors, as well as sexual exploitation of children, following a two-day trial. He was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Reed C. O’Connor.
Special Agent in Charge Lester R. Hayes Jr. of HSI Dallas emphasized the importance of removing dangerous predators like Mian from the community. He stated, "Investigating those who exploit children is one of our highest priorities. We will use every resource available in seeking prosecution of those who traumatize and victimize our most vulnerable."
Arlington Police Chief Al Jones expressed his pride in the dedicated team that worked together to bring justice to the survivors.
During the trial, evidence revealed that Mian coerced at least two young girls aged 16 and 17 into engaging in commercial sex by threatening harm to their families if they did not comply. He also transported a 17-year-old from Oklahoma, preventing her from returning home and forcing her into commercial sex. Additionally, he attempted to traffic an adult woman from Oklahoma, who managed to escape and reported the incident to the police.
The victims testified that Mian, also known as "AJ" and "Dre," used explicit photos of them to advertise sexual services online. He communicated with customers through messaging apps, provided drugs and alcohol to the girls, delivered them to customers, and demanded they hand over all earnings to him. Shockingly, two victims recounted being raped by Mian while they were unconscious.
The investigation was led by the Arlington Police Department in collaboration with Homeland Security Investigations’ Dallas Field Office, supported by the Dallas Police Department, DeSoto Police Department, Fort Worth Police Department, and Texas Department of Public Safety. This case was part of the North Texas Trafficking Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brandie Wade and Matthew Weybrecht prosecuted the case.
