ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – The Albuquerque Police Department made more than 20 arrests in a prostitution sting. The three-day operation focused on areas in the southeast part of town. “Let everybody know that we are out there and anybody that’s doing this will be arrested,” said APD Deputy Chief, George Vega.
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A strong warning from Albuquerque police to anyone trying to pay for sex. On Thursday, APD wrapped up an operation in the southeast area of the city targeting solicitors, known as “Johns”. “Our focus really is to utilize these operations as a deterrent so when the numbers go down that’s what we want and we keep addressing these areas to see those numbers go down and keep them down,” said Deputy Chief Vega.
On Tuesday, APD said they made eight arrests, followed by another six arrests on Wednesday. The sting is led by the department’s High Risk Victims Team along with help from the Criminal Investigations Division and field officers. Along with arresting the “Johns,” the team also worked to connect victims of prostitution and human trafficking with help through the Family Advocacy Center downtown. APD said these operations are important because they often tie into other criminal activity including drugs and violence, especially during events like the New Mexico State Fair.
“We definitely see an uptick in this type of activity when there’s different events that are coming into the city but I want to make it very clear that during that time, we do ramp up our efforts to make sure that the streets and that these traffic victims and the Johns are addressed,” said Deputy Chief Vega.
APD also wanted to remind potential criminals that these operations continue all year round and they will be vigilant. “I want anybody that’s out there on the street, looking to solicit sex, that they need to understand that you can be talking to an undercover police officer, and you will be arrested,” says George Vega, Deputy Chief, APD.
APD said anyone arrested for soliciting sex could face a petty misdemeanor. APD said they are already planning their next sting.
