Harrisonburg Police Dept. Ten people, ranging in age from 19 to 75, were charged with solicitation --one of the largest numbers in such a sting so far. The Harrisonburg Police Dept. HPD has been investigating prostitution in the region for a while.
Over the course of the last year and a half, 43 charges have been filed related to prostitution, including 26 johns and 12 prostitutes facing charges, as well as five pandering or pimping investigations.
Investigators wouldn't speak specifically about last week's operation, but they said the individuals were not enticed. Investigators said past prostitution charges have led to further investigations, resulting in serious drug charges including possession and intent to distribute marijuana, cocaine, and methamphetamine.
It also led to charges related to stolen vehicles, fraud, investigation of a meth lab, and human trafficking of a child. No such extra charges came up so far as a result of last week's operation; Lt. Rush spoke of other past recent cases HPD investigated. Investigators have seen a significant increase in prostitution activity over the last year in a half, compared to the 18 months before that.
They have also seen a number of prostitutes coming from other areas of Virginia, Maryland and Delaware to do business. Skip to content. Medical Monday. American Heart Month. Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Weather Maps. Weather History. Other Weather Links. Election Results.
