Jailer busted in prostitution sting

TYLER – A former Smith County detention officer was arrested on Wednesday night after he was caught in uniform attempting to solicit sex from what he believed to be a prostitute, according to our news partner KETK. The jailer, David Lofton, was the subject of a prostitute sting operation coordinated by the Texas Department of Public Safety, Smith County Sheriff’s Office and the East Texas Anti-Gang Center.

Officials say, Lofton was communicating with a person he believed to be a prostitute on Thursday. He allegedly told the person that he had cash and they would meet at the Hollywood Theatre after he got off his shift at the Smith County Jail. Lofton, still in uniform, notified the person he believed to be a prostitute of his arrival at the theater. Law enforcement was able to identify Lofton, found he had $1,000 in his possession, and arrested him for solicitation of prostitution.

For the safety and security of Smith County jail inmates, Lofton was transferred to the Gregg County Jail and is being held on a $150,000 bond, Sheriff Larry Smith said.