Man accused of luring 15-year-old girl away from Dallas Mavericks game no billed by grand jury
DALLAS - A Dallas County grand jury decided not to move forward with charges against a man accused of luring a 15-year-old girl from a Dallas Mavericks game last year and forcing her into prostitution.
Emanuel Cartagena, 33, was issued a "no bill" decision by the grand jury, meaning the members decided there was not enough evidence to prosecute.
An attorney who represents the North Richland Hills teen and her family called the grand jury’s decision disappointing.
Zeke Fortenberry said he doesn't believe the grand jury saw all the evidence in the investigation.
He also believes Cartagena may face future criminal charges, as well as a civil lawsuit.
Missing North Texas teen was a sex trafficking victim in Oklahoma, police say
The North Texas teen went to the restroom alone at a Dallas Mavericks game and never returned to her seat. Video surveillance showed her leaving with an adult man. Police believe she left voluntarily and ended up 200 miles away with a registered sex offender who was trying to prostitute her through online ads.
Eight other people were also arrested in the case after the teen girl was found in April 2022.
She had been missing for nearly two weeks when she was found in an Oklahoma City motel.