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Hookers Of Hawthorne: 25 Arrested In Prostitution Crackdown
Photo by annierobbins via LAist Featured Photos pool on Flickr
Photo by annierobbins via LAist Featured Photos pool on Flickr
Over the last three weeks, twenty-five people -- 11 suspected prostitutes, one suspected pimp and 13 alleged "johns" -- have been arrested as part of a prostitution crackdown in Hawthorne, said police.
Increased enforcement began Feb. 21, notes LA Now, following numerous community complaints about "illegal activity on Imperial Highway between Inglewood Avenue and Crenshaw Boulevard, said Lt. Gary Tomatani of the Hawthorne Police Department."
Female police officers posing as prostitutes walked the sidewalks near Imperial and Hawthorne Boulevard from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Friday as part of the "john" sting operation. Propositioning motorists were arrested by a nearby police team.
"Stay away" orders prohibiting a return to the area are sought for the pimp and each of the suspected prostitutes. Four have already been granted by a judge, and the others are are pending processing through the courts. As Hawthorne police continue their anti-prostitution ops they ask anyone with information to call the department at (310) 349-2700.
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