NEW BRAUNFELS, Texas - New Braunfels police arrested a man and charged him with human trafficking after an officer found a 14-year-old trafficking victim in his car during a routine traffic stop.
The New Braunfels Police Department said an officer was patrolling the 1400 block of I-35 North around 10:30 p.m. Wednesday when they stopped a black Chevrolet Impala for speeding. The officer then noticed the smell of marijuana inside the vehicle.
30-year-old Roderick Tasby of Dallas, who was driving the vehicle, and 14-year-old girl were taken into custody.
Police later learned the girl was reported as a runaway in Dallas, and officers discovered she had several escort ads posted online.
The investigation found she had been involved in prostitution in Austin, San Antonio and Louisiana.
Further investigation at the scene of the traffic stop also revealed Tasby had attempted to conceal marijuana from police.
Tasby was originally taken to the Comal County Jail on $12,000 bond after he was charged with possession of marijuana. An investigation into the prostitution accusations resulted in Tasby's arrest on a human trafficking charge Friday. An additional $300,000 in bond was reportedly issued.
Police said Tasby is accused of benefiting from the victim's prostitution, though further details were not immediately available.
Police said the victim was later reunited with her family in Dallas.
