Department of Public Affairs
For Immediate Release
8/13/2007
Department: Police

UNDERCOVER ONLINE OPERATION RESULTS IN ARRESTS OF 15 PEOPLE
CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, VA – Eight men and seven women have been arrested as a result of several undercover online prostitution investigations that began in December 2006.

Detectives reviewed Internet classified advertisement Web sites and chat rooms to identify people who requested sex in exchange for money or provided sex for money. Meetings were arranged between undercover detectives and the individuals from the online dialogues. Once detectives confirmed the suspects’ intentions, nearby detectives moved in and took the men and women into custody.

The breakdown of the charges is as follows:

15 - prostitution
10 - use of a vehicle for solicitation of prostitution
1 - carrying a concealed weapon

If convicted of solicitation for prostitution, suspects are required by state law to submit to an HIV test and must participate in counseling about HIV and its transmission.