A prominent Texas attorney was arrested after allegedly demanding sex from a woman seeking legal help for her jailed brother.
Neil Calfas, 56, a San Antonio criminal defense attorney, was taken into custody Wednesday on charges of solicitation of prostitution and human trafficking, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety.
The case centers on a woman identified only as “Julie,” who contacted Calfas in March 2024 seeking representation for her incarcerated brother.
Investigators say Calfas presented her with a stark choice.
“You or the money,” he allegedly told her.
She initially refused the proposition.
Later, however, Julie decided to “go along with it,” believing the attorney could secure her brother’s freedom, according to the arrest report.
On March 5, 2024, Julie discussed the arrangement in a recorded jailhouse call with her brother.
She told him Calfas had asked for sex and had given her cash for a phone and rent.
Julie initially refused.
She later told her brother she had “risked it,” which investigators interpreted as meaning she had engaged in a sexual encounter with Calfas in exchange for promised legal assistance.
The encounter left her devastated.
Julie immediately felt intense regret afterward and said she nearly vomited, according to the arrest report.
The promised legal help never materialized.
Calfas ultimately never became her brother’s lawyer, assisted with his defense, or helped secure his release on bond, investigators found.
On March 21, Calfas spoke directly with the inmate.
He reportedly told the brother he should get a public defender because he was “light on funds,” according to kens5.com.
The Texas Department of Public Safety launched an extensive investigation.
It included recorded jail phone calls, witness interviews, and court records, the department said.
“[He] enticed Julie to engage in sexual conduct” by offering legal representation or assistance for her brother, investigators stated in the arrest report.
Wednesday, authorities raided Calfas’ office.
They removed files, laptops, and other evidence before taking him into custody.
Calfas’ combined bail was set at $110,000.
He was being held Thursday at the Guadalupe County jail, according to the San Antonio Express News.
The inmate’s name was withheld from the arrest report.
“Julie” is a pseudonym used to protect the woman’s identity.
Calfas’ office did not immediately return a call seeking comment Thursday.