Jason Wilhelm Veihl, of Canton, has been arrested following a solicitation of prostitution operation conducted by the Texas Department of Public Safety. CBS 19 issued an article regarding the arrest of nine people, eight of which are from East Texas. The arrests were made between Tuesday, May 17, and Wednesday, May 18.

According to the Texas State Penal Code, solicitation of prostitution occurs if:

A person commits an offense if the person knowingly offers or agrees to pay a fee to another person for the purpose of engaging in sexual conduct with that person or another.

The following people were arrested in connection with the operation:

Jason Wilhelm Veihl, 45, of Canton

Jeffrey Alan Watts, 64, of Tyler

Chaminda P. Alwis, 53, of Tyler

Allen Ronald Johnson Jr., 44, of Lindale

David Balderas, 32, of Tyler

Leonardo Hernandez Rodriguez, 23, of Lovington, NM

Ryan Craig Burgess, 30, of Lindale

Chester Ray Webb, 32, of Tyler

DPS says investigators with the Smith County TAG (Texas Anti-Gang Unit) assisted in the investigation and arrests.

If convicted, the suspects face up to two years in jail and fines not to exceed $10,000.