A man from Houston has been taken into custody and faces charges related to the trafficking of a child, compelling prostitution of a child, and two counts of sexual assault against a child. This follows a collaborative operation involving the Harris County Criminal Investigations and Security Division along with the Harris County District Attorney’s office.
Tyrone Berry, aged 66, was employed at the North Villa Inn situated along the North Freeway, nestled between East Richie Road and Bammel Road.
Court documents reveal that the initial interview with the victim took place over five years ago, specifically on July 15, 2019. She informed authorities that she had fled from a foster home and was brought to the North Villa Inn by a friend.
The individual reported that during her stay at the hotel, she encountered an employee referred to as “Big Mike,” also known as Berry, who assured her he would look after her once his shift ended. She informed the authorities that “Big Mike” brought her to a nearby recording studio, where she encountered Otis Berry, referred to as “Big Face Tulu,” and claimed she was pressured into engaging in sexual activities with Tyrone Berry’s associates and relatives. Documents indicate that Otis Berry faced arrest in 2020 on charges related to trafficking and assault involving minors. A grand jury in Harris County brought charges against him in February 2024, including three counts associated with the exploitation of a minor and one count related to drug offenses.
The young girl informed authorities that if she earned sufficient money, Berry would supply her with meals; however, when she did not fulfill his demands, he abandoned her at a Walmart in a red minivan. The most recent engagement she had occurred on the morning of June 14, 2019.
Legal filings reveal that the young individual thought Berry was compensated for her behavior, yet she did not receive any payment and was also provided with drugs during her time at the recording studio. The young girl reported to authorities that she was compelled to engage in sexual acts with over 20 individuals at the studio and the residence of the accused.
On October 8, 2019, a Harris County investigator arrived at the North Villa Inn, where the teenager reported having been with Tyrone Berry. The investigator reached out to Berry in order to obtain records. On October 22, 2021, the victim confidently recognized Berry during a lineup, as stated in the documents.
Berry was handed a 17-year prison sentence after admitting guilt to a sex offense against a minor, as well as charges of tampering with government records and kidnapping, based on official records from 2005 and 2006.