“In less than two weeks, on two separate weekends, Polk County Sheriff’s Office detectives have arrested a total of 66 people charging them with Solicitation of Prostitution and other crimes,” said Sheriff Grady Judd. “Our detectives will continue to conduct investigations which target e-commerce ads for prostitution. Prostitution is illegal and those who commit or who derive proceeds from this crime in Polk County can expect to go to jail.”
During the weekend of Friday, March 9, 2012, through Sunday, March 11, 2012, PCSO detectives acting in an undercover capacity conducted an online vice operation targeting online adult ads. During the three-day operation, 47 suspects either responded to the ads, or met with detectives, with the intent to perform sexual acts in exchange for money.
The suspects arrested were charged with crimes ranging from Soliciting Prostitution to Aggravated Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer.
The majority of the suspects arrested were either permanent residents working in, or visiting Polk County at the time of their arrest.
Three were arrested for possession of narcotics, one was in possession of a concealed, stolen Sig Saur 357, and one was also arrested for violation of probation (Burglary).
During a previous two-day operation beginning Thursday, February 23, 2012, through Friday, February 24, 2012, PCSO detectives arrested 19 suspects engaging in prostitution through e-commerce advertising for prostitution.
Those arrested included a doctor, a pharmacist, a pharmaceutical salesman, and a retired IRS agent who was in possession of his credentials at the time of his arrest.
The majority of the suspects arrested were working in, or visiting Polk County at the time of their arrest.
Three were arrested for possession of narcotics, one was in possession of a concealed, stolen Sig Saur 357, and one was also arrested for violation of probation (Burglary).
Several of the suspects admitted to being married.
