Prostitution lingers in Brooksville
BROOKSVILLE –
It takes a lot to snuff out the oldest profession on earth.
Brooksville is trying to do its part.
“If you go looking for them, you’ll see them all around,” he said. “They get picked up very quickly. They’re popular. That’s why there’s enforcement on both ends.”
Five men were arrested Feb. 13 after asking an undercover female police officer for sex, police said. They were caught during an eight-hour sting operation at the corner of West Jefferson Street and Ponce de Leon Boulevard.
Previous stings have netted as many as 20 to 30 arrests.
The last time someone was charged with prostitution in Brooksville was in January 2009, when a police officer saw a women wave down a car at the corner of Ponce de Leon and West Fort Dade Avenue, according to police records.
Turner said prostitutes have been arrested since, but mostly on outstanding warrants or other charges, he said.
Patrol officers will see a woman wave at a car and show up to intervene before a deal happens. The woman often will lie and tell police she was asking for a cigarette or directions. It’s usually too difficult to prove she’s lying, Turner said, but oftentimes police still will find cause to arrest them for other charges.
Other times, residents will call police to report a prostitution deal. When the officer arrives minutes later, both the john and the prostitute are gone, the chief said.
He said most of the complaints are “citizen-generated” – residents, motorists and business owners see it outside their windows and call the police.
“No business is going to put up with prostitution or illegal activity happening near them,” he said. “It’s not something they should have to put up with.”
Turner guessed there were about 10 local prostitutes that regularly crop up at some of the usual intersections – up and down U.S. 41 or U.S. 98. They also often are seen in South Brooksville, he said.
They are picked up and taken to a nearby place or sometimes the act is done in the car, Turner said.
The Justice Assistance Grant Program (JAG) funds prostitution-related investigations and sting operations. Nearly a third – 32.07 percent – is awarded to state agencies.
The remaining funds must be passed down by the Florida Legislature to local governments, according to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
All 67 counties receive money based on population and crime statistics.
The Feb. 13 sting operation cost roughly $1,000, which went to overtime pay and operation costs, Turner said.
Brooksville received about $11,000 for the year. The grant period lasts from October through September, according to FDLE.
Reporter Tony Holt can be reached at 352-544-5283 or [email protected].
