Sheriff's Office Cracks Down On Prostitution

The Greenville County Sheriff's Office announced Thursday a successful operation targeted at online escort services allegedly used as a cover for prostitution. 

A release from the agency stated that on Oct. 25 and Oct. 26, the Sheriff's Office's directed patrol unit conducted an operation at local hotels in the county. 

"The purpose of the operation was to identify individuals using internet sites to post ads as escorts and individuals who respond to the ads for the purpose of conducting illegal sexual activity," the release states. "Through this investigation and previous ones deputies have learned that internet escort sites are being used as a cover for prostitution."

Over the course of the two day operation undercover deputies were able to identify 22 individuals allegedly using internet sites for illegal sexual activity. The directed patrol unit issued citations for operating without an escort license, prostitution, possession of drug paraphernalia, simple possession of marijuana and various driving violations.

"This is an example of how specialized units within the Sheriff’s Office can be utilized to expose andidentify individuals using the internet to aid and commit crimes within Greenville County," Sheriff Steve Loftis said in a release.