TYLER, TX — A Smith County Sheriff’s Office detention officer was arrested Wednesday night, April 8, 2026, after allegedly attempting to solicit prostitution immediately following his shift. David Lofton, who has been with the department since late 2022, was taken into custody while still in his official uniform.
The arrest was the result of a coordinated undercover operation led by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Human Trafficking Task Force, in collaboration with the Smith County Sheriff’s Office and the East Texas Anti-Gang Center.
Details of the Arrest
Authorities state that Lofton attempted to commit the offense at approximately 7:30 pm, just minutes after finishing his scheduled day shift at the Smith County Jail. Because he was still in uniform at the time of the solicitation, officials noted the arrest was a particularly significant breach of public trust.
Lofton appeared before Smith County Precinct 4 Justice of the Peace Curtis Wulf, who set his bond at $150,000. For safety reasons and to maintain the integrity of the local facility, Sheriff Larry Smith arranged for Lofton to be transferred to the Gregg County Jail.
A Commitment to Higher Standards
Sheriff Smith, who has been briefed on the investigation since its inception, expressed disappointment but underscored his commitment to rooting out "rogue" officers within the ranks.
“I have had the unpleasurable, but necessary task of arresting rogue law enforcement officers who have dishonored the uniform and tarnished the badge,” Sheriff Smith stated. “We will not capitulate and we will continuously hold those in our ranks to a higher standard of professionalism.”
The operation is part of an ongoing, multi-level effort by local, state, and federal partners to combat human sex trafficking crimes across East Texas.
