Houston couple arrested yesterday, accused in human trafficking investigation involving missing 15 year-old girl

According to Harris County court records, 22 year-old Marco Antonio Flores Mayorga and his girlfriend, Ariana Ruiz, were arrested following a Texas Department of Public Safety Human Trafficking investigation. Both Flores Mayorga and Ruiz are charged with Compelling Prostitution of a Person Under 18 and Engaging in Trafficking of a Child for Sexual Conduct.

Back on May 5, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children alerted DPS to an online advertisement allegedly featuring a missing 15 year-old Houston girl.

According to court records, an undercover investigator contacted the number listed in the advertisement and arranged a meeting at an America’s Best Value Inn in north Houston. Investigators say the juvenile left one of the hotel rooms and entered the undercover vehicle before DPS troopers safely recovered her.

The affidavit states hotel records showed Flores Mayorga rented two rooms at the hotel that day. Investigators allege the juvenile told them Flores Mayorga knew she was meeting individuals for money, had rented hotel rooms for her on multiple occasions, and had driven her to some of the encounters.

After receiving permission to search the juvenile’s phone, investigators say they found text messages allegedly showing Flores Mayorga coordinating meetings, discussing pricing and timing, managing advertisements, and directing where money would be sent.

Investigators also allege Ruiz played an active role in the operation. According to the affidavit, the juvenile identified Ruiz as Flores Mayorga’s girlfriend and said Ruiz helped manage the online advertisements. Court records allege Ruiz instructed the juvenile to take photos used in the advertisements, communicated with her about responding to potential customers, and helped keep the advertisements active. Investigators also allege Ruiz was the registered owner of the online account used to advertise the juvenile, completed the website’s age verification process, and was connected to one of the electronic payment accounts referenced in the investigation.

Court records show Flores Mayorga was also arrested for Reckless Driving in June 2026. Earlier this year, he received deferred adjudication on an Unlawful Carrying of a Weapon charge, while a similar weapons charge filed in 2025 was later dismissed.

Flores Mayorga’s bond on the compelling prostitution charge was set at $100,000. Ruiz has a $50,000 bond listed on one of her charges. We’re waiting for her remaining bond information to be entered at the time of this report. Their bond amounts might change if they haven’t yet been to court.