Prostitution Sting Nets Three in Andover

Andover, MA - Three people were arrested following a prostitution sting in Andover on Thursday.

Two women were arrested on warrants and a Lynn man is facing human trafficking charges.

On Thursday, April 14, in conjunction with Massachusetts State Police Detective Lt. Pi Downsbrough, members of the Andover Police Department’s Detective Division, the FBI’s Crimes Against Children Unit, and the newly formed Massachusetts State Police High Risk Victims Unit, conducted an operation targeting prostitution and human trafficking at a local hotel.

As part of the operation, which occurred from 5-11 p.m., undercover officers arranged “dates” with a total of seven females using websites that advertise sexual encounters for a fee. A team of officers monitored the parking lots of the hotel for the women to arrive, and also intercepted their vehicles once officers confirmed that a transaction had been negotiated. One of the females interviewed by police was rescued and the other six refused assistance.

Police arrested:

• ANTONIO A. GARCIA, AGE 31, OF LYNN was charged with Human Trafficking and Deriving Support from Prostitution.
• MIKEALA BRUNKE, AGE 21, OF QUINCY was arrested on three outstanding warrants.
• KHADIJA JULIEN, AGE 19, OF DORCHESTER was arrested on an outstanding warrant.

“Prostitution is not a victimless crime and those responsible should be held accountable,” Police Chief Patrick Keefe said. “I would like to thank our law enforcement partners from the State Police and the FBI for their assistance in conducting this operation. We are grateful for these very valuable partnerships.”

All three suspects were held at the Andover police station pending their arraignment.

The Andover Police Department will continue to conduct these operations at hotels and commercial areas in an attempt to dissuade prostitution and human trafficking in town, according to police officials.