Airline pilot charged for running several brothels in Houston area
HOUSTON -- A United Airlines pilot has been arrested for allegedly running a string of brothels in office buildings around the Houston area.
CBS affiliate KHOU reported Bruce Wayne Wallis, 51, stands accused of running more than six prostitution houses, using online advertisements to promote his illicit businesses and charging women $400 a week to sell sex through his operation.
Wallis made his initial court appearance Thursday on charges of aggravated promotion of prostitution and engaging in organized criminal activity. He was freed on $15,000 bond.
Court records didn't list an attorney for Wallis, and attempts to reach him weren't immediately successful.
His arrest followed an eight-month investigation by the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Houston Police Department's human trafficking division.
A woman named Tracie Tanner was arrested for allegedly helping Wallis manage the illegal businesses, KHOU said.
United Airlines said it was cooperating with authorities and has removed Wallis from his flying duties.