Prostitution Sting In Cleveland: 9 In Custody

CLEVELAND — An undercover prostitution sting near Cleveland's Detroit-Shoreway neighborhood ended with nine men in custody for soliciting. Police said they had received several complaints about prostitution activity in the area.

“We want to drive this activity out of our neighborhoods and it starts with going after the johns. It is the johns who are creating the demand for this illegal activity,” said Ward 15 Councilman Matt Zone. “I encourage individuals who are involved in sex trafficking to contact the Cleveland Rape Crisis Center Project STAR 24-hour hotline: 855-431-STAR (7827).”

Undercover units were active near W. 65th Street and Lorain Avenue, police said. Officers began their operation at 7 p.m. on Tuesday. Police said prostitution is frequently linked to other criminal activity like drug abuse and human trafficking.

“Policing is a partnership and the community is our eyes and ears,” said Cleveland Police Chief Calvin D. Williams. “With tips from residents, we are able to construct plans to combat crime in our neighborhoods. We hope that members of our community will see how this partnership is effective and continue to assist our investigators by providing information.”