This article has been updated with a response from the city attorney’s office.
The Dallas Police Department has paused enforcing a city ordinance against prostitution. This was done in response to action from a municipal court judge who has repeatedly ruled against the city’s prostitution ordinance.
On June 3, Dallas’ police department announced it had engaged a “temporary pause” on enforcing the city’s ordinance against prostitution—Section 31-27 of the Dallas City Code.
The cited cause was a May 21 ruling by Dallas Municipal Court Judge Jay Robinson, regarding a case involving Sabrina Gabriella German and Journi Randolph. Research shows both have an extensive history of violating various prostitution laws.
Lieutenant Tramese Jones, the DPD public information officer, told Texas Scorecard the department’s decision came “after consulting with the City Attorney’s Office.”
The office of City Attorney Tammy Palomino responded with a statement from DPD: “The Department has instructed officers to temporarily pause enforcement of Dallas City Code Sec. 31-27, “Manifesting the Purpose of Engaging in Prostitution,” based on the recent ruling of the City of Dallas Municipal Court. The Department remains committed to enforcing all laws, and this ruling does not restrict officers from other methods of investigating and enforcing prostitution and trafficking crimes in the City of Dallas.”
Judge Robinson has targeted the city’s anti-prostitution ordinance before. In December 2023, in the case of City of Dallas v. Jivani, Judge Robinson ruled the city’s prostitution ordinance unconstitutional.
The state appealed to the Dallas County Criminal Court of Appeals. In July 2024, Judge Kristin Wade upheld Judge Robinson’s decision.
The state court dismissed the state’s follow-up, claiming a lack of jurisdiction. But this case is still alive. In January 2025, the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals vacated the Dallas Court of Appeals’ judgment and remanded the case for reconsideration.
The Dallas City Council appoints judges to the municipal court and controls the nominating process through the city council’s judicial nominating commission.
Mayor Eric Johnson did not respond to Texas Scorecard’s questions before publication.
As courts debate this issue, sex trafficking remains a real threat. As previously reported, Houston and Dallas oscillate as top-ranking American cities for this slave trade.
“While the City reviews its options, the Department remains committed to enforcing all laws, and this ruling does not restrict officers from other methods of investigating and enforcing prostitution and trafficking crimes in the City of Dallas,” Jones stated.
Tami Brown Rodriguez, director of policy at anti-sex trafficking non-profit Jaco Booyens Ministries, expressed concern about DPD’s pause.
“At JBM, we’ve seen firsthand how lax enforcement can embolden traffickers and exploiters, putting vulnerable women and children at greater risk. While we understand the court’s ruling, we urge the city to act swiftly to restore law and order by finding constitutional ways to crack down on prostitution, which too often serves as a gateway to trafficking,” she stated.
“The DPD’s commitment to using other methods to fight these crimes is a step in the right direction, but we cannot afford to let Dallas become a safe haven for those who prey on the innocent. We stand with law-abiding citizens in calling for stronger, not weaker, protections against this modern-day slavery.”
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