19 Arrested in Moses Lake Prostitution Sting
The Moses Lake Police Department is trumpeting what it calls a "huge success."
Working in concert with Othello PD, authorities in Moses Lake undertook a three-day (Nov. 13-15) human trafficking sting. The result - 19 misdemeanor arrests - was optimal, says Capt. Jeff Sursely; significant dents were made in both supply and demand. The arrestees range in age from 27 to 71.
Similar operations are planned for 2025.
Under Washington law, prostitution is a misdemeanor punishable by not more than 90 days in jail. Steep fines - up to $1,000 - are sometimes leveled too.
Patronizing a prostitute carries identical legal risks in Washington, but infinitely less risk of bodily harm. Physical and sexual violence - to say nothing of emotional abuse - are rampant in sex work.
Dec. 17 is the International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers, which started over 20 years ago as a vigil for slain Seattle women.
25 Arrested in Prostitution Operation May 12th and 13th
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