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45 people are under arrest after a nationwide prostitution crackdown. The FBI's cross-country operation ended with seven accused pimps, 35 suspected adult prostitutes and three underage prostitution suspects in custody. Some of the girls were only 13 when they were first exploited.
Across the country, in 29 cities, including Houston, law enforcement went looking for underage prostitutes.
Special Agent Patrick Fransen of the Houston FBI says "these are not prostitutes, these are child sex victims."
This is video from inside the sting where undercover officers were used to make more than 500 arrests nationwide.
Special Agent Patrick Fransen of the Houston FBI says "we go out and make as many arrests as we can and look for children."
Here in Houston, out of 45 arrests, they found that so far three of the suspected prostitutes are under the age of 18, just children.
Special Agent Patrick Fransen of the Houston FBI says "this child is abused 10-15 times a night by various strangers and criminals."
Two of them were found here, on the streets. Both just 15 years old, and investigators say they'd been turning tricks for two years.
They say the young girls were forced into these lives by pimps.
Officer Emma Rodriguez of the Houston Police Sex Crimes division says "lots of times these kids have low self esteem and looking for someone to love and accept them."
That's why investigators say it's so important they also arrested a total of seven suspected pimps here in Houston.
Another 17-year-old was arrested here, at a gentlemen's club called Houston Dolls.
The general manager said he had no idea she was not legal.
Jamaal Jackson of the Houston Dolls says "I guess she had a fake ID, we don't advocate hiring underage women whatsoever."
Investigators are still trying to figure out if the girl had a pimp, forcing her to work there to earn more money.
Special Agent Patrick Fransen of the Houston FBI says "those three are the tip of the iceberg."
Investigators say getting the underage girls off the streets and into the system, is the best way of rescuing them.
