13 Men Arrested In Murrieta Prostitution Sting

MURRIETA, CA — Thirteen men were arrested last week during a prostitution sting conducted by the Murrieta Police Department.

The operation was conducted Wednesday and targeted online prostitution and those who seek it, police said.

All but two of the arrestees lived in Murrieta or surrounding communities, including Hemet, Menifee, Temecula, Wildomar, and Winchester. The men ranged in age from 20 to 59, according to the Murrieta Police Department.

Each man was arrested and cited for solicitation of prostitution, a misdemeanor.

Law enforcement prostitution stings usually involve law enforcement personnel placing decoy posts on popular classified websites commonly used for the solicitation of prostitution.

When potential customers respond to the ads, an agreement for paid sex is brokered by an undercover officer. The buyers are then arrested when they arrive at an agreed-upon rendezvous spot.

Wednesday's arrests were made at Hospitality Place in Murrieta. The Murrieta Police Department conducted the operation in partnership with the Riverside County Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force.

"Prostitution is a crime, and persons who demand these unlawful activities fuel an illicit underground economy both locally and across the State of California," Murrieta police said.