16 Arrested in Rush Hour Prostitution Sting on U.S. 19 in New Port Richey

The Pasco County Sheriff’s Office and New Port Richey Police worked a prostitution sting along US 19 for two days last month during high traffic times, ultimately netting 16 arrests.

Rush hour apparently takes on a whole new meaning along US 19 in New Port Richey. Detectives claim that the stretch of highway between New Port Richey and Hudson has become a major problem over the past couple of years with women out soliciting in broad daylight.

According to police, the highway is mostly made up of commercial and business owners who are tired of the alleged activity that is going on right in front of customers.

Many business owners claim they have asked the women to leave, and if that fails, they call the police.

Detectives say that it is these continuous, sometimes daily, phone calls that are the driving force behind these types of prostitution stings. In fact, they claim they are increasing their efforts so that they can put a stop to illegal activity on US 19.

The first day of their undercover sting led to the arrests of 10 women. Day two netted six alleged “John’s.”

Detectives with the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office say these types of undercover prostitution stings will continue for as long as the problem persists.

Prostitution stings throughout the state of Florida are becoming increasingly common, and because US 19 seems to be a hotbed for illegal sexual activity, we are seeing more and more undercover prostitution busts in New Port Richey. If you have been arrested in an undercover sex sting, a Pasco County Sex Crimes Defense Attorney at Whittel & Melton can help. We know that following an arrest for a prostitution-related offense, your future and freedom is on the line. As criminal defense lawyers and former prosecutors, we are familiar with criminal law from both sides. However, in these types of cases you must act fast to best protect your rights. To obtain the most successful outcome regarding your prostitution arrest, contact us immediately following your arrest.

While you may think that you did not actually commit a crime, even just verbally offering or agreeing to sexual activity in exchange for money is considered illegal in the state of Florida, regardless of follow through. Depending on the actual charges you are facing and your criminal background, a conviction for a prostitution-related offense could land you in state prison for 5 to 15 years. Prostitution charges are not viewed lightly by prosecutors, so you must take these charges seriously.

If you or someone you love is facing prosecution for prostitution or any other sexual offense in New Port Richey or elsewhere in Florida, contact a Pasco County Sex Crimes Defense Lawyer at Whittel & Melton online or call our New Port Richey office at 727-847-2299.