Texas Couple Accused of Operating $1,000 Prostitution Ring for Police Officers
A Texas woman has been arrested and charged with running a high-end prostitution ring alongside her husband, allegedly catering to local police officers and charging $1,000 per session. Ashley Ketcherside was taken into custody on Tuesday on a racketeering charge in Johnson County, approximately 29 miles south of Fort Worth. Her husband, Michael Ketcherside, was arrested earlier this month in connection with the same alleged scheme.
Police Department Allegedly Involved in Conspiracy
According to prosecutors, officers searched the Ketchersides' home on March 31, uncovering evidence of an ongoing prostitution conspiracy that is believed to have unfolded over the past five years. Additional evidence suggests that the Godley Police Department, under then-Chief Matthew Cantrell, conspired with the couple to gather information on private citizens and public officials they considered adversaries.
Officials named in court documents include members of the local city council, the former mayor of Godley, the former chief of police, and members of the Godley Independent School Board. A criminal complaint and arrest affidavit obtained by NBC 5 allege that Cantrell solicited a "boyfriend" for his wife from the couple.
Multiple Arrests and Charges Filed
Jason Buchanan, a spokesperson for the Johnson and Somervell Counties District Attorney's Office, confirmed that Cantrell has been arrested on charges of promoting prostitution. Former officer Solomon Omotoya was also accused of soliciting Ashley Ketcherside for sex in exchange for yard work or babysitting, and has been booked on charges of soliciting prostitution.
Michael Ketcherside was arrested on April 2 on a charge of continuous promotion of prostitution, according to jail records. On April 14, he was handed an additional charge of racketeering. Ashley Ketcherside was also arrested on a racketeering charge on April 14.
Details of the Alleged Operation
Court documents obtained by Fox 4 reveal that Godley police officers and their spouses would spend time at the Ketcherside residence, where Ashley Ketcherside was allegedly preparing another woman for prostitution. Cantrell told investigators that Ashley Ketcherside's rate for sex was $1,000 per hour.
The documents also indicate that police obtained a list of alleged clients from a burner phone belonging to Ashley Ketcherside at her residence. Prior to her arrest, she defended her husband in an interview, stating, "He's a great husband, an amazing father to my three kids, and I believe in the justice system. I'm absolutely no victim of my husband or anybody else. I know that the truth will come out."
Previous Convictions and School District Involvement
In 2023, Ashley Ketcherside was removed from multiple positions within the Godley Independent School District after being convicted of solicitation. Kayla Lain, who was a school board trustee at the time, told Fox 4 that she had been made aware of Ashley Ketcherside's convictions by the non-profit group Families Engaged for Effective Education.
Ashley Ketcherside was serving on a council that recommended appropriate grade levels and methods for human sexuality instruction, according to documents obtained by the network. Lain commented, "We had no idea what was going on in her personal life. She was always very friendly and personable."
The Independent has contacted the Godley Police Department for comment on these allegations.
