ARIZONA NEWS

Agencies make over 300 prostitution arrests in metro Phoenix during busy 2-week event stretch

Feb 20, 2023, 1:00 PM

(Pexels Photo)...

(Pexels Photo)

(Pexels Photo)

PHOENIX — Law enforcement, nonprofits and service providers teamed up to make over 300 human trafficking and prostitution arrests during a two-week stretch that saw metro Phoenix host the Super Bowl, WM Phoenix Open and Barrett-Jackson.

The multi-agency operation was conducted from Jan. 30 to Feb. 11 and was created to deter prostitution-related activities and be a resource for victims, according to a press release from the Phoenix Police Department.

“The priority of these operations was to identify and recover juveniles or adult victims of human trafficking as it relates to fraud, force or coercion as well as to provide victim outreach,” Phoenix PD said in the release.

A total of 348 arrests were made, with 48 of them being felonies.

Of the 300 misdemeanors, 120 people were arrested for soliciting prostitution.

Five child victims and an adult victim were rescued as a result of the operation, authorities said.

Nearly 25 organizations participated during the two-week period.

Officials warned of human trafficking and prostitution in the months leading up to metro Phoenix hosting one of its busiest stretches of large-scale events in history.

Barrett-Jackson ran from Jan. 21-29 in Scottsdale, while the WM Phoenix Open was held Feb. 9-12 in Scottsdale.

Super Bowl LVII was played Feb. 12 in Glendale, but events were held across the Valley all week leading up to the game.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Pass it along to the KTAR News team here.

Comments

Comment guidelines: No name-calling, personal attacks, profanity, or insults. Please keep the conversation civil and help us moderate comments by reporting abuse.
comments powered by Disqus

Arizona News

A Silver Alert was issued for Timothy Roberts on Nov. 5, 2024....

KTAR.com

Silver Alert issued for missing Phoenix man with cognitive condition

Authorities issued a Silver Alert on Tuesday for a missing Phoenix man who suffers from a cognitive condition.

3 hours ago

Shooting involving police in Phoenix...

KTAR.com

Suspect ‘down’ after shooting involving police in central Phoenix

A suspect was "down" after a midday shooting involving police in central Phoenix on Tuesday, authorities said.

3 hours ago

Carly and Daphne provided puppy snuggles at Phoenix vote center on Election Day....

Kevin Stone

Lucky Arizona voters treated to adorable puppy snuggles while waiting to cast ballots

Some lucky Arizona voters were treated to puppy snuggles and kisses to ease election stress during their trips to the polls on Tuesday morning.

4 hours ago

Rob Schneider governor arizona...

Kevin Stone

Why actor/comedian Rob Schneider says he might run for governor in Arizona

Actor/comedian and Valley resident Rob Schneider said he is so frustrated with how long it takes to count ballots in Arizona that he might run for governor.

5 hours ago

Police shot and killed a man who allegedly broke into a south Phoenix home....

KTAR.com

Phoenix Police fatally shoot suspect after home invasion attempt

Police shot and killed a man who allegedly tried breaking into a south Phoenix home on Monday night.

7 hours ago

voter...

Associated Press

Appeals court says Arizona should release list of voters with unverified citizenship

An Arizona appeals court upheld a ruling requiring the Secretary of State’s office to release the names of voters impacted by a registration system error.

8 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

...

Morris Hall

West Hunsaker, through Morris Hall, supports Make-A-Wish Foundation in Arizona

KTAR’s Community Spotlight this month focuses on Morris Hall and its commitment to supporting the Make-A-Wish Foundation in Arizona.

...

DISC Desert Institute for Spine Care

The best methods to make your back pain disappear for good

Are you struggling with back pain that will not go away?

...

Day & Night Air Conditioning, Heating and Plumbing

It wouldn’t hurt to get your AC checked after Arizona’s excruciating heat wave

A well-maintained air conditioning unit is vital to living a comfortable life inside, away from triple-digit heat in Arizona.

Agencies make over 300 prostitution arrests in metro Phoenix during busy 2-week event stretch