Tremont Blakemore, 39, was arrested on Sept. 11 after a three-month multi-jurisdictional investigation into the alleged sex-trafficking ring. He’s also charged with aggravated promotion of prostitution, engaging in organized criminal activity and compelling prostitution by force, threat or fraud. He was later charged with tampering with evidence and money laundering of more than $200,000. His original $500,000 bond has increased twice, and is now $1.25 million.
The Star-Telegram obtained 86 pages worth of arrest affidavits in late September that originated from Blakemore’s Sept. 11 arrest at 12405 Yellow Wood Drive in Fort Worth, the alleged headquarters of the ring.
Information on what led prosecutors to charge Blakemore with tampering and money laundering hasn’t been released.
Dallas police began investigating Blakemore — who goes by the nickname “Macknificent” — after a woman was shot in the buttock at a home in the 4500 block of Marcell Avenue in west Oak Cliff. In the ensuing days, investigators received at least two tips pointing to possible sex trafficking, according to the documents.
The ring also operated out of houses in the 1700 block of Overlook Drive in Lancaster and the 2600 block of Timberline Drive in Flower Mound, the documents say.
Neighbors of two of the addresses have told the Star-Telegram that they witnessed a large amount of vehicle traffic at the homes that included expensive cars such at Bentleys, Rolls Royces and BMWs.
Police found 15 women in the home and directed them to resources aimed at helping victims and survivors of sex trafficking.
Source: https://www.star-telegram.com/news/local/crime/article220766410.html
