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May 14, 2020

TABC Appoints Nationally Recognized Leader to Head Up Special Investigations Unit

AUSTIN – The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission has appointed a veteran investigator of organized crime to oversee its Special Investigations Unit, a group of highly specialized agents who lead the agency's fight against human trafficking.

Maj. John Wall was appointed to the position May 1. He's a veteran of the Houston Police Department Special Investigation Command's vice unit, where he made national headlines leading dozens of undercover operations netting hundreds of arrests. Wall takes over for former SIU Maj. Ron Swenson, who was promoted to TABC's Deputy Chief of Law Enforcement.

As the lead officer for the SIU, Wall will oversee TABC's long-term investigations into organized crime, including human trafficking, taking place at licensed businesses such as bars, nightclubs and convenience stores. Since 2013, TABC has made it a priority to stop trafficking at legitimately licensed alcohol retailers used as fronts for organized crime.

"We've built a strong relationship with Maj. Wall thanks to our outstanding partnership on multiple operations with the Houston Police Department," said Bentley Nettles, TABC Executive Director. "His years of experience investigating organized crime make him an incredible asset to the agency. I'm thrilled to have him working alongside the men and women of TABC."

Wall said TABC's role as Texas' alcohol regulator makes the agency a leading opponent of human trafficking.

"Human trafficking exists in a scope beyond cities or counties," Wall said. "As a statewide agency, TABC has the know-how and the resources needed to bring the fight to traffickers, no matter where they hide in Texas. I'm proud to join the amazing investigators here at TABC, and I look forward to helping them end trafficking once and for all."

More information on TABC’s effort to fight human trafficking is available at: https://tabc.texas.gov/enforcement/human_trafficking.asp

Media Contact:Chris Porter Public Information Officer (512) 206-3462