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Six arrested in prostitution sting  -- Police say it's only the first

By Trace Christenson
The Enquirer

Six men were arrested Wednesday when Battle Creek police conducted an
undercover prostitution sting.

Four men from Battle Creek, one from Kalamazoo and one from Jackson face
misdemeanor charges of solicitation for prostitution.

Police said each of the men attempted to procure sex for money from two
undercover police officers who were walking areas of Capital Avenue
Northeast and Capital Avenue Southwest between 7 and 11 p.m.

One of the men offered as little as $5 for a sexual act and others promised
the women drugs in exchange for the act.

Police then arrested the men and seized their vehicles under a civil
forfeiture proceeding alleging the vehicles were used for criminal
activity.

The vehicles were to be released to the men in exchange for $250.

Lt. Michael Sherzer said he was pleased with the operation.

"I think getting six people is good," he said. "And it's interesting that
we got some out-of-town people."

Sherzer said the sting was just the first in what will be an ongoing
operation to diminish the amount of prostitution, which is a frequent
complaint from city residents.

"If we can create a reputation that in Battle Creek the risks are high,
maybe they will change their ways," Sherzer said.

Money for overtime pay to operate the sting was paid by Weed and Seed, a
federal program to improve city neighborhoods.

Officers from the Southwest Enforcement Team assisted Battle Creek
officers.

Trace Christenson covers crime and courts. He can be reached at 966-0685 or
tchrist@battlecr.gannett.-com 

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