The West Palm Beach Police Department has carried out yet another successful undercover prostitution sting, arresting ten individuals just before the Fourth of July holiday. Nobody should have to endure this in their neighborhood, in their area, or the city, for that matter,” West Palm Beach Police spokesman Mike Jachles said. “While people were in holiday mode on July 3rd, our officers were out there working the streets, making the arrests. We had ten people arrested.”
The arrested individuals face prostitution-related charges. Many of the locations where the arrests occurred are so-called “hot spots” in the north and south ends of the city, near homes, businesses, daycares, and other establishments.
The men allegedly attempted to pick up women for paid sex but were met by undercover female officers instead. One man faces additional charges for possession of fentanyl, attempting to barter the drug for sex with an undercover decoy.
Two of the women caught have prior criminal convictions, elevating the penalty for their actions.
Just last week, as part of “Operation Big Day,” the police made nearly three dozen arrests. This city-wide initiative aims to clear out crime from every corner and enhance overall quality of life.
“We have our finger on the pulse of the community, and that’s how we effectively reduce crime,” Jachles said. “The last thing we want is for people to move from one area to another; we address the hot spots in the north end, south end, and downtown.”
