MCSO arrests 51 for drugs, prostitution in connection with Backpage.com
Sep 19, 2012, 10:45 AM | Updated: 1:30 pm
PHOENIX — Maricopa County Sheriff’s detectives say a drug operation that started months ago led to the arrests of 51 people on charges including attempted murder, drug possession, identity theft, prostitution and weapons.
Detectives were originally patrolling a hotel in Guadalupe for drug trafficking.
After further investigation it was found that prostitution was being set up via Backpage.com, a site that is part of a group that publishes newspapers throughout the country, including the Phoenix New Times.
There were 17 total arrests for prostitution.
Nearly $20,000 in cash and more than 60 pounds of marijuana were seized during the operation.