Mesa police arrest 18 suspects in human sex trafficking sting

PHOENIX — Mesa police arrested 18 suspects as part of a sting operation to combat human sex trafficking in the area, the department said Thursday.

The East Valley Human Trafficking Task Force’s operation occurred Aug. 5-6 near Country Club Drive and U.S. 60, the Mesa Police Department said in a press release.

The suspects were arrested on adult prostitution charges.

One of the suspects was also arrested on charges of attempted sex conduct with a minor, child prostitution with a minor under 15, money laundering and prostitution.

The Arizona Attorney General’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations, Scottsdale Police Department and the Tempe Police Department assisted with the investigation.

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