Posted on Thu, Sep 1, 2011 : 7:10 a.m.
7 arrested in prostitution sting in Ypsilanti and Ypsilanti Township
By Lee Higgins
Seven women were arrested during a prostitution sting Wednesday along East Michigan Avenue in Ypsilanti and Ypsilanti Township, police said.
The women were arrested for solicitation for prostitution and taken to the Washtenaw County Jail. Charges are pending.
Washtenaw County sheriff's deputies and Ypsilanti police teamed up for the operation that ran from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m., an Ypsilanti police news release said.
There have been at least 4 other similar busts since May, resulting in a total of 25 other arrests.
Lee Higgins covers crime and courts for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached by phone at (734) 623-2527 and email at leehiggins@annarbor.com.
Comments
15crown00
Fri, Feb 17, 2012 : 6:05 p.m.
Real Crimes Next
Corby
Sat, Sep 3, 2011 : 4:41 a.m.
All debates on the merits, or lack of, prostitution aside, I'm tired of it. Does anyone really want to scoop someone's spent condom off their lawn? Anyone care to have their child pick up someone's spent condom. Let's not romanticize it, okay? It's one addiction feeding another. Neither is pretty. If you haven't met an area prostitute and been told by her pimp "she don't have teeth" (selling point), if you haven't had any number of fat sweaty commuting johns in red Ford pickups ask your wife walking home, "Yu workin'?" if you haven't walked a prostitute a few blocks to protect her from the fat bald old guy in the Mazda you could beat with a stick who went so far she feared for her life, if you haven't had your kid pick up a sap filled balloon... That said, I'll echo other comments. I want the Johns. I want a billboard of faces on the freeway. I want them to explain to their daughters why mine is picking up their condoms. I want their faces. That sting would change things.
louise williams
Thu, Sep 1, 2011 : 10:33 p.m.
Give us some names please.
genetracy
Thu, Sep 1, 2011 : 8:37 p.m.
The women should be punished with mandatory attendance to the monthly NOW meetings.
Murf
Thu, Sep 1, 2011 : 6:35 p.m.
Nice. I hope the lovely couple spotted zipping up while coming out from behind Bogg's Gas Station last week was one.
Murf
Thu, Sep 1, 2011 : 6:36 p.m.
And if not, I hope the powers that be take note that the dark area behind the gas station (or perhaps even its bathroom) is being used as well.
RJA
Thu, Sep 1, 2011 : 5:04 p.m.
Great Job WCSD!! I see on the news now, where prostitutes can buy tickets for their space in Detroit. (they have to pay to play).
Woman in Ypsilanti
Thu, Sep 1, 2011 : 4:58 p.m.
I sometimes wonder what the legal ramifications would be if I set up a folding chair on the corner of my street and Michigan avenue and then sat there with my video camera. The idea would be to post videos of the johns on some blog I would start up. I know it would be a popular blog since sex scandals are so interesting to so many. It would also be a real deterrent since I don't imagine that most johns want the whole internet to know that they are such losers. But since I have a day job, I can't see myself actually wanting to spend too much of my time on this but perhaps I can figure out a way to put a camera on my house instead but I am probably not close enough to the corner.
Bradley Pearsall
Thu, Sep 1, 2011 : 4:57 p.m.
Here we go again. As soon as I saw the headline on this story I said "here comes 100 comments on how this is a waste of taxpayer money". For everyone that thinks this was a waste of time and money here's my solution: We can use the money on a Hooker Relocation Project. Every morning we can have retired school busses and bus drivers pick them up and drop them in front of schools to work. At 4:30 they can pick them up and distribute them in our residential areas. That would make it easier for the johns and cut down on gas consumption. Let see how long it takes you to decide that it really wasn't a waste of taxpayer money to get them off the streets even if it is for a day.
15crown00
Fri, Feb 17, 2012 : 6:08 p.m.
but there are much more serious things going on.arresting hookers is a way of padding the figures and u know it.
Lovaduck
Thu, Sep 1, 2011 : 4:32 p.m.
This happens so often that if I were a john, I'd stay away from that stretch of road! Unconscious desire to be caught, anyone?
no flamers!
Thu, Sep 1, 2011 : 3:44 p.m.
Many of the comments seem to focus not on whether the women should have been arrested, but frustration that men were not also arrested. My first reaction to that (I am male) is that such obvious identity politics takes away from any focus on the real issues. More pointedly, the reason police arrest the prostitutes more than the johns is that the prostitutes commit the same offense hundreds of times per month, and each john commits the offense, for example, once a month. So which person is more worthy of prosecution? Someone that commits the same crime (solicitation of prostitution) 100 times/month of someone that commits the same crime once/month? Pretty obvious that you have to target the greater violator. That said, I'd like to see both the prostitute and the john arrested when there is a solicitation event. That isn't usually the case b/c the arrests occur in a sting (the male/buyer is the police officer). I also reject the notion that the prostitutes are "victims." They aren't victims, they are criminals. They should be arrested and jailed. If we our society wants to decide to legalize prostitution, that'd be fine with me. Until then, we should enforce the law as written. Note that prostitution is legal just 40 miles away in Windsor...seems to have worked out Ok there?
Woman in Ypsilanti
Thu, Sep 1, 2011 : 3:57 p.m.
Which person is more worthy of prosecution? How about the men who harass innocent women for just walking down the street? Seriously, from my point of view, the main problems with prostitution come from the johns and not the prostitutes themselves.
dayo13
Thu, Sep 1, 2011 : 3:34 p.m.
The only reason prostitution is illegal is they havent found out a way to tax it properly. But they will and then it will be legal.
treetowncartel
Thu, Sep 1, 2011 : 6:23 p.m.
Germsmany has
UncleMao
Thu, Sep 1, 2011 : 3:10 p.m.
Seeing as these stings always run from 4-11PM, it seems as though 11:30 PM is the safe time to begin soliciting/selling sex. I can't imagine they're nabbing too many folks at 4 o'clock. Maybe just johns looking for an after school snack?
15crown00
Fri, Feb 17, 2012 : 6:10 p.m.
seems 2 me hooking starts in earnest after dark and goes on until the early hours of the next morning.
pissedoff
Thu, Sep 1, 2011 : 3:03 p.m.
WoW
pissedoff
Thu, Sep 1, 2011 : 2:59 p.m.
I apologize... Let me rephrase that. While the police are out their wasting my hard earned tax dollars on petty crime stings instead of going after REAL criminals, Hell...might as well arrest the lawyers while your at it. They screw you and take your money as well. What's the difference??
15crown00
Fri, Feb 17, 2012 : 6:11 p.m.
agree completely
Woman in Ypsilanti
Thu, Sep 1, 2011 : 2:33 p.m.
This is totally messed up. How come it is always the prostitutes who get arrested? I would like to see a focus more on the men who hire these women.
dayo13
Thu, Sep 1, 2011 : 4:35 p.m.
look at it another way. Some of these guys couldnt get laid even with a pocketful of money. But they are gonna try and if they are flagging you down, they must feel that you are the best looking woman on the street. Thats the theory Im gonna go with. Congrats on being so hott! ;}
Woman in Ypsilanti
Thu, Sep 1, 2011 : 3:54 p.m.
I do spend most of my time in Ypsilanti's prostitution zone ;) In all seriousness. I have to deal with the realities of Ypsilanti's prostitution problem on a regular basis in that although I am not a prostitute, I get regularly harassed by a lot of scumbag men who apparently think that having a vagina and walking down the street in Ypsilanti = prostitute. The women don't bother me at all.
A.D.
Thu, Sep 1, 2011 : 2:24 p.m.
Most of these woman are frequent fliers, most are well known by the local and county police. They are not there to support their families, they are out there to support a drug habit - pick a drug...heroin, crack cocaine, alcohol. Most of these woman have been arrested more than 2 DOZEN times. They are habitual offenders & cost of the county ridiculous amounts of money.
dayo13
Thu, Sep 1, 2011 : 2:26 p.m.
Then if you feel that way, quit patronizing them and they will leave. If there are no johns, there are no hookers.
dayo13
Thu, Sep 1, 2011 : 2:06 p.m.
Well, unfortunately with the way the job market is, some of these women may have decided, right or wrong, that this is the only choice to feed their families. Until there is real job creation, this will get worse before it gets better. I am not saying that this is a good decision on their part. It isnt. But if I have to decide whether or not my children eat today, or have a roof over their heads, Im gonna do what I have to do and there are a whole lot of worse crimes I can think of. Good luck to everyone needing a real job.
dayo13
Thu, Sep 1, 2011 : 6:04 p.m.
You dont know what they spend the money for. You assume based on stereotypes. Its a safe bet they dont use it for their families ? Again, everyone has a different reason. Some people cant take care of themselves not to mention their families on 7.50 an hour at McDonalds. Im sure none of them wrote 'hooker' down on their job goals in high school.
Bradley Pearsall
Thu, Sep 1, 2011 : 4:50 p.m.
dayo13, are you serious?! Just as Cinnabar says, its a safe bet that the money they earn is not being used to support anything other than a habit. As far as hooking to support your family goes, is that the example you would actually want to set for your children? I don't care how bad it got out there I would never put my kids in the situation of being put in foster care because I was in jail instead of working at a legitimate job. McDonalds is always hiring. There is work out there these women may have to get off their backs and look for it. They may have to get 2 jobs. They may have to get into a real rehab center and get off the pipe first. Lets get real. As far as cutting down people with level headed comments you should use your brain before you attack someone.
cinnabar7071
Thu, Sep 1, 2011 : 4:42 p.m.
dayo13 I will bet you dollar to donuts that they are not using this money to support their familys.
tdw
Thu, Sep 1, 2011 : 3:37 p.m.
dayo13 Hate to break the news to you but hookers have been on that stretch of road way before the economy totally tanked
Bill Wilson
Thu, Sep 1, 2011 : 2:02 p.m.
My .02: I applaud the police. Prostitution, contrary to the opinion of some, is not a victimless crime. The women are often forced into commiting this crime by circumstance, and are unable to break the grip it imposes upon them. Many end up hooked on drugs, using drugs as a method of escape. They end up destrying their lives as well as their families lives. Those men who think that they can enjoy some quick satisfaction at little risk are playing a dangerous game of Russian Roulette. Diseases such as herpes are lifelong diseases, and one wonders how you'd explain that to your girlfriend or wife. Hopefully, the police can do more than just prosecute, and actually get these women some real help.
Wolf's Bane
Thu, Sep 1, 2011 : 3:08 p.m.
well stated. these people need help and the police should be applauded.
Woman in Ypsilanti
Thu, Sep 1, 2011 : 2:31 p.m.
So if the women are the victims, how come *they* are the ones who were arrested?
YpsiLivin
Thu, Sep 1, 2011 : 1:55 p.m.
When dealing with a snake, you cut off the head. Target the pimps and solve the real problem. If you don't, these women will be back at work this evening.
John A2
Thu, Sep 1, 2011 : 1:45 p.m.
They will be right back as soon as they're released. This is just part of the life of a street walker. In-fact they are probably being released as of now, it's almost 10am.
Grimey
Thu, Sep 1, 2011 : 1:30 p.m.
Thanks WCS! :-)
Yeah buddy
Thu, Sep 1, 2011 : 12:51 p.m.
Blame Snyder for increasing unemployment.
djacks24
Thu, Sep 1, 2011 : 1:32 p.m.
Sure. We can send them to hang out at the corner by your house. Then you can blame Snyder again for them being in your neighborhood.
tdw
Thu, Sep 1, 2011 : 1:30 p.m.
huh.? is that meant to be sarcastic ? I hope so.
Bertha Venation
Thu, Sep 1, 2011 : 12:29 p.m.
This area seems to be a "hot bed" of activity. Git it? "Hot Bed?"
EyeHeartA2
Thu, Sep 1, 2011 : 12:29 p.m.
Lately Ypsi has been touted as more business friendly than AA. I guess they are taking a step in the other direction now.
Mr. Ed
Thu, Sep 1, 2011 : 12:14 p.m.
Can someone please make a list of real crimes.
Grimey
Thu, Sep 1, 2011 : 1:25 p.m.
Speeding Operating a Dispensary Oh, and Speeding.
davy
Thu, Sep 1, 2011 : 12:36 p.m.
duck and/or goose squashing putting up non-conforming fences egregious automobile idling
Ricebrnr
Thu, Sep 1, 2011 : 12:02 p.m.
Are some of these the same women from the last operation? Why don't we have actions tha target the johns? Why don't we confiscate the johns' vehicles and publish their photos like in other states? Wouldn't there be more punch not to mention revenue in that?
sig.melvin
Fri, Sep 2, 2011 : 4:39 p.m.
Some of the Johns are underCover agents!
Think!
Thu, Sep 1, 2011 : 2:03 p.m.
I think the real question to ask is "Why don't we legalize prostitution?" Yet another victimless crime in a society that pretends to worship at the alter of capitalism as long as said capitalist endeavor doesn't step on toes of legislating a certain segment of the population's skewed morality and prudish notions.
cinnabar7071
Thu, Sep 1, 2011 : 1:57 p.m.
They do go after the johns. "Other prostitution busts in the area occurred June 22, June 9 and May 4, resulting in the arrests of 15 men for solicitation of prostitution and 6 women for solicitation for prostitution." <a href="http://www.annarbor.com/news/crime/prostitution-sting-in-ypsilanti-and-ypsilanti-township-results-in-four-arrests/">http://www.annarbor.com/news/crime/prostitution-sting-in-ypsilanti-and-ypsilanti-township-results-in-four-arrests/</a>
no flamers!
Thu, Sep 1, 2011 : 1:55 p.m.
Re confiscation of vehicles and publishing photos of the johns: the reason to not do that is that the legislature has determined that the punishment for paying for sex is much much lower than the cost of a $40,000 car or the public humiliation of published photos. Just because your suggested punishment of the johns would reduce the amount of johns in the market does not mean that the johns punished received fair punishment, let alone due process which requires that the state punish perps consistent with the crime. In other words, let's not pretend that paying for sex is some new and horrible crime that can and will be solved if only we embarrass the purchasers and confiscate their vehicles (so that they lose their jobs and become welfare cases).
breadman
Thu, Sep 1, 2011 : 11:51 a.m.
Wonder? Thinking.... Would these lost jobs be able to call marvin on Tuesdays?
Terrin Bell
Thu, Sep 1, 2011 : 11:47 a.m.
It is sad the police can't find time to bust real crimes.
AdmiralMoose
Thu, Sep 1, 2011 : 4:12 p.m.
Prostitution *is* a real crime. Kudos and thanks to the Washtenaw Sheriff's office and Ypsilanti Police Department.
djacks24
Thu, Sep 1, 2011 : 1:35 p.m.
I meant "there"
djacks24
Thu, Sep 1, 2011 : 1:34 p.m.
We'll send them to your neighborhood since you seem to be okay with it. Then we'll send their pimps, dealers, and Johns over their too.
tdw
Thu, Sep 1, 2011 : 12:30 p.m.
such as ?
Wolf's Bane
Thu, Sep 1, 2011 : 11:37 a.m.
Streetwalkers?! For real. In this day and age? Oh my, how disgusting.
breadman
Thu, Sep 1, 2011 : 11:24 a.m.
Gee! they took away the late night jobs. What a sham...... No more ways to make any money!
dayo13
Thu, Sep 1, 2011 : 3:27 p.m.
If everyone you know has a job then you dont know very many people. Unemployment in Michigan is rampant and the economy is struggling. I am fortunate that I have a high paying job, but there are many who have nothing and will resort to whatever means necessary to get by.
cinnabar7071
Thu, Sep 1, 2011 : 2:31 p.m.
dayo13 everybody I know has a job, in fact several had to find a new jobs when they lost their last job due to the bad economy. But they are working and not at McDonalds.
dayo13
Thu, Sep 1, 2011 : 2:23 p.m.
cinnabar7071, there are no regular jobs out there. Are you living in a box ? McDonalds at 7.50 per hour isnt going to feed anyone.
cinnabar7071
Thu, Sep 1, 2011 : 1:51 p.m.
So breadman getting a regular job is out of the question?