Prostitution arrests down in Manatee

Prostitution arrests are down for the county, according to an investigator at Manatee County Sheriff’s Office.

Arrests have decreased because investigators consistently conduct stings in various locations – including 14th Street West - on a regular basis. Part of the decrease may also be due to the economy, he said.

Several undercover detectives went to local spas and lingerie shops Tuesday night where they were offered sex acts in exchange for money, resulting in the arrests of three 20-something women.

One woman at one of the shops stated, “It was her first week on the job,” when asked about one of the women arrested, the detective said.

Perhaps that’s what made the operation a success. Prostitutes tend to be guarded.

“They are tough to get,” he said. “These girls are really leery.”

A detective, who worked in the sting, stated he believes many of the businesses are a front for a prostitution ring.

-- Beth Burger