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In the past three weeks, a Baylor University strength coach and an East Texas Medical Center paramedic were two of the 44 people McLennan County authorities arrested during the 13th National Johns Suppression Initiative.

The county, which participated in the national effort this year for the second time, ranked fourth out of 30 agencies that took part in the effort to combat prostitution and online sex solicitation by targeting sex buyers.

“Ranking fourth in the country, when you have large metropolitan agencies participating, is clear evidence the sex trade in our county is a very prevalent problem,” Detective Joe Scaramucci said.

“The sheriff’s office has made it very clear we will fight this monster. We will continue to address the demand for sex and the people who prey on and exploit these women and children.”

In October, Scaramucci started as a full-time human trafficking investigator, thanks to a Department of Justice grant. Spearheading the local effort in the three-week National Johns Suppression Initiative, Scaramucci used websites to meet with suspects looking for a prostitute.