9 Arrested for Prostitution and Human Trafficking in Westlake

WESTLAKE, OH - Nine people were arrested for human trafficking and prostitution in Westlake on Dec. 8. The arrests were part of a joint investigation between Westlake Police, Homeland Security, the Cuyahoga County Sheriff's Office, the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor and the Westshore Enforecement Bureau.

Five of those arrested were detained for various offenses, including Drug Abuse, Resisting Arrest, Soliciting and Promoting Prostitution. Four were released on the scene and will receive a court summons in the mail. A spokesperson for Westlake police said "All (individuals) were contacted through ads they had placed on the internet at Backpages.com and negotiated a price for sexual activity."

All of the arrested parties were willing participants in the activity.

The arrests took place at a Sperry Drive motel.

Those arrested include, Mariah Williams, 21, of Painesville, for Soliciting. Deandria Harris, 21, of Cleveland, for Obstructing Official Business. Amelia Brummitt, 24, of Cleveland, for Soliciting Drug Abuse and Resisting Arrest, and Robert Watson, 55, of Cleveland, for Promoting Prostitution.

Westlake police say Watson and Brummitt are still in jail pending their initial court appearance.

According to police reports, the entire investigation stemmed from and took place in Westlake.

Photos from Westlake Police