Police target U.S. 19 prostitution

Four are arrested in a second sting operation after New Port Richey residents complained.

By JODIE TILLMAN, Times Staff Writer
Published January 10, 2008

NEW PORT RICHEY - What better illustrates the challenge of fighting prostitution on U.S. 19 than the name of Tuesday night's police sting: Operation Get the Girls II.

It reminds residents that there was the original Operation Get the Girls in August seven prostitution charges and that there are probably sequels in the works.

The Tuesday night joint operation by police and Pasco sheriff's deputies netted four misdemeanor arrests for prostitution. One woman had also been arrested in Get the Girls I.

Authorities say they used a confidential informant, who was wired for audio and caught the women offering to perform oral sex. The women's asking prices ranged from $20 to $30.

Those arrested Tuesday for solicitation of prostitution: April Dawn Henry, also called April Watson, 28; Glenda L. McMullen, 46; Melissa Ann Fernandez, 26; and Sandra M. Sharp, 41. Henry was arrested in the August sting as well.

City leaders have long fielded complaints from residents and business owners about prostitution - and its related drug problem - along U.S. 19, particularly near some of the motels.

Assistant police Chief Darryl Garman said prostitution stings typically follow the same trajectory: Defendants spend a night in jail, then hit the streets again, this time, just outside the city limits. Sheriff's deputies arrest them on similar charges, they spend another night in jail, then they move somewhere else.

Garman even has a theory for all this: "the theory of displacement."

He said Tuesday night's operation was prompted by complaints from residents. "We do get tips from the community and we value them," he said.

Betty Lindley, 78, a resident who often calls police about drug and prostitution activity, said Wednesday that she sees the same prostitutes over and over. They leave for a while, she said, but usually find their way back before leaving again.

She said she would love to put up this sign at the city limits: "No prostitution, no drugs and no johns."

Jodie Tillman can be reached at jtillman@sptimes.com or (727) 869-6247.

[Last modified January 9, 2008, 21:39:21]