East Texas Man Sentenced to 18 Years After Tyler Prostitution Sting

Damian Centorian Borens has been sentenced to 18 years in prison after a Smith County jury convicted him of engaging in organized criminal activity by promoting prostitution. Prosecutors said the conviction stemmed from a 2025 undercover human trafficking investigation conducted by law enforcement in Tyler.

How the Tyler Undercover Investigation Began

According to KETK, Borens was arrested in March 2025 as part of an undercover investigation in which officers posed as customers responding to online prostitution advertisements and then set up meetings over the phone.

READ MORE: Gilmer Police Bust 8 in Halloween Prostitution Sting

What Investigators Say Happened

Borens was arrested after officers located him inside a vehicle that had just dropped off a suspected prostitute at a meeting location in Tyler; the meetup was orchestrated by an undercover officer according to court documents.

The Smith County Assistant District Attorney Bryan Jiral said, "Our law enforcement partners took proactive steps to identify this criminal activity and intervene, and we are committed to holding those responsible accountable while keeping the protection and safety of victims at the forefront of our efforts.”

According to a press release from the Smith County District Attorney's Office, Borens admitted to being a member of the Bloods gang and was put on trial for engaging in organized criminal activity by promoting prostitution last week.

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Jury Convicts Damian Borens

After a multi-day trial a Smith County jury found Borens guilty of engaging in organized criminal activity by promoting prostitution and sentenced him to 18 years in state prison.

Prosecutors said Borens was one of three people who were identified as assisting in the online promotion and transportation of a person from Mineola to Tyler. The DA's office did not provide an update on cases or charges against the other people arrested.