schools
These children were sold for sex. Then the system failed them again
By NBC 5 DFW (KXAS) Local
· June 24, 2026
· 1 min read
A 12-year-old Dallas middle-schooler ended up on the streets, where a pimp discovered her. For as little as $50, he sold her for sex. He withheld food unless she worked. She later disappeared into the state’s foster care system after suffering from depression. She attempted suicide.
A 13-year-...
Key takeaway For as little as $50, he sold her for sex.
Why this matters in Southlake News
The cases of these children, who were sold for sex and then failed by the system, have a direct impact on the Southlake community. As a suburb of the Dallas-Fort Worth area, Southlake is not immune to the issue of human trafficking, which affects cities and towns across the region. The fact that these children were forced into prostitution and then struggled with depression, drug addiction, and even death, raises questions about the support systems in place for victims of trafficking in Tarrant County. The federal mandate requiring pimps and pedophiles to provide financial compensation to their victims is a step in the right direction, but it is unclear how effective this measure will be in providing meaningful support to those who have been traumatized. As Southlake continues to grow and develop, it is crucial that local leaders and residents prioritize the issue of human trafficking and work to create a safety net for victims.
About this story
Original reporting by NBC 5 DFW (KXAS) Local . Southlake News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit NBC 5 DFW (KXAS) Local . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: schools ·
Published: June 24, 2026 ·
Source: NBC 5 DFW (KXAS) Local ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? A 12-year-old Dallas middle-schooler ended up on the streets, where a pimp discovered her. For as little as $50, he sold her for sex. He withheld food unless she worked. She later disappeared into the state’s foster care system after suffering from depression. She attempted suicide.
A 13-year-...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 24, 2026 by NBC 5 DFW (KXAS) Local and curated for Southlake News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by NBC 5 DFW (KXAS) Local. To learn more about how Southlake News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more schools coverage from Southlake News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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