Arkansas man charged with human trafficking in north Shelby County prostitution ring

A 25-year-old Arkansas man was jailed on a human trafficking charge following an undercover investigation Thursday into prostitution and drug activity in north Shelby County, authorities said today. 

The Shelby County Drug Enforcement Task Force on Thursday conducted undercover operations and identified multiple women involved with prostitution, according to a press release from the task force.

The women were referred to community-based organizations to "help them escape their current situations," according to the release.

A 25-year-old Arkansas man, Alexander Jackson, was arrested and charged with human trafficking. He was taken to Shelby County Jail, and his bond was set at $100,000.

“These investigations are heart breaking at times," said Lt. Clay Hammac, commander of the Shelby County Drug Enforcement Task Force. "Our goal is not to put these young ladies in jail, but to help them escape the situation that each of them currently find themselves in. However, we will always relentlessly pursue and arrest the individuals who attempt to force others into this lifestyle in an attempt to profit from it.”