While this operation was aimed primarily at the Johns, police say other operations have focused on the prostitutes who provide the sexual favors.
(SALEM, Ore.) - Salem Police conducted a prostitution sting Thursday night, using undercover female peace officers as decoys. They arrested several men for soliciting prostitution during the operation.
Lt Dave Okada with Salem Police says the sting was aimed at "Johns" who stop to offer prostitutes money for sexual favors. "Once a John made contact with the undercover officer and probable cause to make an arrest was established, the suspect was arrested," he said.
"During the operation the decoy officers were approached by suspects who were in vehicles as well as on bicycles, and the suspects did not hesitate to approach the decoy officers while in plain view of the public."
Okada says that despite the proximity to the citizens who were in the area, great measures were taken to minimize any danger to the public and to make the arrests as discreetly as possible.
"Prostitution is a very serious crime that can have a negative effect on the livability of a neighborhood and the safety of the residents. Not only does it attract potential sexual offenders to the area, it also goes hand in hand with narcotics usage and other related crimes," Okada said.
Residents who live in areas affected by prostitution have reported being propositioned by potential Johns as they walk down the street, having their children approached by Johns and also finding hazardous remnants of sexual and/or drug activity strewn about the streets.
While this operation was aimed primarily at the Johns, Okada says other operations have focused on the prostitutes who provide the sexual favors.
"The goal of these operations is to disrupt prostitution activities as much as possible and to send a clear message to both the prostitutes and the Johns that this activity is not acceptable and their continued participation will get them arrested and put in jail."
He says that by utilizing undercover officers, neither the prostitutes nor the Johns will know for sure if they are dealing with a police officer or not.
43-year old Dale Leroy Aasted of Salem was arrested for Prostitution and a Parole Violation Detainer.
40-year old Gregorio Flores-Aguilar of Salem was arrested for Prostitution and Parole Violation Detainer.
29-year old Jesus Figueroa-Ramirez of Salem was arrested for Prostitution, Unlawful Possession of Marijuana Within 1000 feet of a School, No Operator's License. Seized 1.5 grams of Marijuana.
18-year old Jose Antonio Renteria of Salem was arrested for Interfering with a Police Officer and Trespass.
Miguel A. Zacatenco-Lopez of Salem whosse age is unknown was arrested for Prostitution and cited for Driving While Suspended.
33-year old Sergio Enrique Alcantar-Denis of Salem was arrested for Prostitution, Failure to Carry/Present an Operator's License, Possession of a Forged Instrument and No Operator's License.
60-year old Benjamin Ngeluk of Salem was arrested for Prostitution and cited for No Headlights.
The Salem Police Department Street Crimes Unit, assisted by the Keizer Police Department and Marion County Sheriff's Office Parole and Probation all participated in the sting operation.
Salem Police Conduct Prostitution StingSalem-News.com