Houston Woman Charged with Trafficking a Child After Multi-Month Investigation

Montgomery County, Texas – The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) has arrested Shiann Hutchins, 28, of Houston, Texas, on a felony charge of Trafficking of a Child, following an extensive, multi-month human trafficking investigation.

The investigation began in late July 2024 after the MCSO received reports of a missing juvenile and a missing 18-year-old female, both believed to be victims of sex trafficking.

The MCSO VICE Unit, working with agents from Homeland Security, developed a lead associated with the juvenile’s phone number. Undercover officers initiated a sting operation, arranging a sex-for-money transaction with the individuals. Later that day, officers met the individuals at a local Montgomery County hotel, where they safely detained the 16-year-old juvenile and the 18-year-old female. Both victims, who had been reported missing, were immediately given necessary support and resources.

Following the recovery of the victims, the MCSO Organized Crime Division continued the comprehensive investigation. This led to the identification of Shiann Hutchins as the primary suspect and a leader of the human trafficking operation involving the two girls.

An arrest warrant was issued for Hutchins, and on December 3, 2025, she was located at a residence in Houston and taken into custody without incident. She remains in the Montgomery County Jail.

Sheriff Wesley Doolittle commented on the collaboration: “This arrest underscores the unwavering commitment of the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office and our federal partners to dismantle human trafficking networks. We will continue to aggressively pursue those who exploit vulnerable children and young adults in our community, dedicating all necessary resources to protect the safety and well-being of our citizens.”

The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office encourages anyone with information regarding human trafficking to contact Multi-County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-392-7867. The investigation is ongoing.