HOUSTON – A suspected pimp from Houston pleaded guilty Tuesday to one count of transporting a woman for commercial sex.
Jerald Bland, also known as "Moe Betta," admitted to taking the woman to Louisiana so she could engage in prostitution, prosecutors said.
Investigators with the Houston FBI Innocence Lost Task Force developed the case against Bland using ads for the victim’s services and hotel records.
Bland was arrested on March 8, 2010, during an undercover sting by HPD officers.
During that operation, officers found a camera with pictures of women in sexually provocative poses and Bland flashing money.
According to court documents, Bland took the victim to Beaumont, Lake Charles, Lafayette, Baton Rouge and New Orleans.
While out of town, ads were posted for sexual services online, which were discovered by investigating officers and corresponded to the dates of the hotel reservations made by Bland.
Prosecutors said several hotel employees recognized Bland and the victim, and at one location, the hotel business center was used to post online ads for prostitution.
Investigators said Bland kept all the money the woman earned by prostituting herself.
Sentencing for Bland was set for March 20, 2012.
He faces up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.
Bland will remain in custody pending his sentencing hearing.
