12 Men Arrested In Investigation Into Reported Downtown Prostitution Activity: Aurora Police

AURORA, IL — A dozen men were taken into custody earlier this month in connection with an investigation into complaints and reported prostitution activity in the downtown area, police said Tuesday.

The men were caught soliciting an undercover police officer for a sex act, officials said.

Police have previously received reports of prostitution in the South River Street/North Avenue and South Broadway/Washington Street areas, spokesperson Jim Levicki told Patch.

The following men were arrested and charged with solicitation of a sexual act. Ten cars were also impounded as part of the enforcement action, police said.

• Victor Felipe-Hernandez, 36, of Aurora
• Juan D. Munoz, 26, of Aurora
• Ronald T. Morgan, 66, of West Chicago
• Lorenzo Hernandez, 45, of Aurora
• Traore Mahamadou, 52, of Aurora
• Pablo Gaytan, 26, of Aurora
• Antoine S. Jackson, 47, of Chicago
• Ricardo Tochimani-Galindo, 51, of Warrenville
• Pedro Alvarez-Vieyra, 51, of Aurora
• Walther J. Perez-Estrada, 27, of Aurora
• Luis Gutierrez-Herrea, 30, of Aurora
• Eric Light, 37, of Romeoville

"We continue to receive information regarding prostitution activity in and around the downtown area from a variety of sources, which, along with officers' observations and historical information about activity in the area, helps guide where we focus enforcement efforts," Levicki said.

Members of Aurora Police Department's Special Operations Group, Community Oriented Policing Unit and K-9 Unit participated in the prostitution reversal operation.

All 12 are scheduled to appear in court Aug. 5.

"The Aurora Police Department will continue conducting targeted enforcement operations in response to community concerns and reported illegal activity," Special Operations Group Lieutenant Chris McWilliams said in a statement. "Operations like these are also an important part of our broader efforts to combat human trafficking. By targeting the demand that drives exploitation, we can help disrupt the cycle that puts vulnerable people at risk of being victimized."