Newly unsealed federal indictments reveal the far-reaching nature of an alleged sex trafficking operation in Plano. The criminal ring allegedly enticed or coerced women into becoming escorts, then used violence to force them into prostitution. Watch NBC 5 free wherever you are. William McKinnley Garland, 40, of Plano pleaded not guilty to federal charges of coercion and conspiracy to commit sex trafficking during his arraignment Thursday in U.
District Court. Prosecutors say Garland and his male and female accomplices ran the criminal operation from to December The U. Neighbors say a woman rented the house almost three years ago.
They immediately noticed odd activity at all hours of the day, including a revolving door of young women and a constant flow of luxury cars at the house. This week, the attorney Garland retained filed a motion to withdraw as counsel for his initial appearance. During a hearing on Tuesday, Assistant U. Attorney Marisa Miller informed Magistrate Judge Kim Johnson that Garland had been provided a tablet in jail and used it to send approximately messages to people, including some of his co-defendants in the case and asked it be taken away.
Johnson immediately granted the request, warning Garland he could not have any contact with anyone associated with the case. He expressed concern over his client reportedly being isolated from other inmates saying Garland has done nothing to warrant such restrictions.
De La Garza declined to comment on the messages Garland admitted in court to sending, emphasizing he is just now joining his defense and has a lot to catch up on.
