A 35-year-old woman has been charged with sexually trafficking a missing 16-year-old girl who ran away from home, according to Harris County Precinct 4 authorities.
Police began an investigation after the Federal Bureau of Investigation provided information regarding a report of a runaway juvenile. Investigators determined that the minor was being trafficked out of a residence in north Harris County.
A search warrant was executed at the home but failed to locate the missing girl. Instead, police arrested Brandi Lowe, 35, who was identified as the individual trafficking the minor online.
Harris County Precinct 4 Constable Mark Herman described police efforts as “resilient,” noting that authorities tracked Lowe to a hotel where she was staying with an accomplice. The girl was rescued and reunited with her family.
Lowe was charged with promotion of prostitution of a person under 18 years old and held on $20,000 bond.
Private investigator Betty Simons highlighted the online nature of such trafficking schemes, stating that juveniles are often groomed through gaming platforms, social media, and school settings. “They begin to trust these traffickers,” she said, “and once they trust them and go with them, then they end up getting thrown onto the street or on online ads.”
Authorities indicate more arrests may follow as the investigation continues.
