MPD: 17 people arrested, charged in 'prostutition sweep'

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - On Dec. 8, the Mobile Police Narcotics and Vice Unit hit the streets and conducted a city wide “prostitution sweep” operation.

During the sweep, police arrested 17 people included one juvenile. Cpl. Chris Levy with the Department said it’s something they do every so often.

"It’s the oldest profession. It’s, unfortunately, probably not going anywhere anytime soon," said Levy.

They said prostitutes weren’t the only target.

"We target both the ‘Johns’ and the prostitute, and it’s pretty successful. It's really surprisingly not that difficult," said Levy.

Levy said they target areas where there have been a number of complaints. Many of the places included in the weekend sweep were on the I-65 service road. Levy said they often find these activities at hotels and motels.

"We need these businesses to be clean. We have people to come in town and feel safe at these hotels," said Levy.

Police said many of these people are repeat offenders.

The arrests also included a 17-year-old.

"She's very young, and we hope something positive will happen with her," said Levy.

Levy said prostitution isn’t the only reason for the sweeps; it's what follows.

"You start having vehicle burglaries, residential burglaries, even some violent crime like robbery, theft that's the biggest issue," said Levy.

Here is a list of the arrests:

2000 block of Jones Avenue

Christian McShan

• Soliciting for Purpose of Prostitution

I-65 Service Road @ Airport Boulevard

Unique Bradley

• Soliciting for Purpose of Prostitution

2300 block of Dauphin Island Parkway

Thi Nguyen

• Soliciting for Purpose of Prostitution

1000 block of I-65 Service Road

Dorcias A. Sellers

• Soliciting for Purpose of Prostitution

Tira Johnson

• Soliciting for the Purpose of Prostitution

800 block of Magnolia Drive

Nicole French

• Soliciting for the Purpose of Prostitution

800 block of West I-65 Service Road

Charnetta Frison

• Soliciting for the Purpose of Prostitution

Rhonda K Scott

• Loitering for the Purpose of Prostitution

Chandler Brashwell

• Loitering for the Purpose of Prostitution

Dorche Morrison

• Soliciting for the Purpose of Prostitution

Amber Malone

• Soliciting for the Purpose of Prostitution

Gloria Cason

• Soliciting for the Purpose of Prostitution

Colonda Mason

• Soliciting for the Purpose of Prostitution

Phillip Collins

• Loitering for the Purpose of Prostitution

Demtrius Longshal

• Loitering for the Purpose of Prostitution

900 block of West I-65 Service Road

Tabatha Williams

• Soliciting for the Purpose of Prostitution

30 block of I-65 Service Road

Juvenile 1-14-1995

• Soliciting for the Purpose of Prostitution