EPD Conducts Internet Prostitution Sting In Valley West – March 15, 2012

Thursday, March 15, 2012

Note: EPD initially refused to identify the prostitution suspects in order to protect ongoing investigations. But using online public records posted at co.humboldt.ca.us/sheriff/reports/files/dalist_03152012.pdf, readers quickly identified the three as Karli Elizabeth Anagnost, Shawnta Evette Jones and Katherine Erin Carlson. Then EPD rescinded any objection to HCSO’s release of the suspects’  booking photos, and they have been included in the press release below. – Ed.

Karli Elizabeth Anagnost

EPD Press Release

VALLEY WEST – On the afternoon of Wednesday, March 14, the Eureka Police Department’s Problem Oriented Policing Unit (POP), assisted by deputies with the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office’s Community Response Unit (CRU), conducted an internet prostitution sting.  The operation specifically targeted prostitutes advertising their “services” locally on various internet websites.

During the approximately eight-hour operation, POP and CRU investigators arrested three female suspects for solicitation/facilitation of prostitution after responding to the “escorts’” webpage ads for “in-call services” (where the prostitute sets the location where they will meet to trade money for sex).

Shawnta Evette Jones

A prostitute using the escort names “Kashlee” and “Kaylea” was arrested around 4 p.m. at the Arcata Redwood Inn (4700 block of Valley West Blvd.) in Arcata.  “Kashlee” was also on probation and had prior arrests for prostitution.  The Arcata Police Department assisted with the transportation of “Kashlee” (age 19 of Eureka) to the Humboldt County Correctional Facility where she was booked for solicitation of prostitution.

A prostitute using the escort name “Raven” was arrested around 8 p.m. at the Arcata Motel 6 (4700 block of Valley West Blvd., Arcata).  “Raven” (age 31 of Georgia) was transported to the Humboldt County Correctional Facility where she was booked for solicitation of prostitution.

A prostitute using the escort name “Katrina Erotica” was arrested around 9:30 p.m. at 4th and M Streets in Eureka.  “Katrina Erotica” (age 23 of Eureka) was transported to the Humboldt County Correctional Facility where she was booked for solicitation of prostitution.

Katherine Erin Carlson

Additionally, detectives have identified an individual who may be assisting one or more of the prostitutes with their illicit business.  The investigation into this possible “pimp” is continuing.

Anyone with information concerning suspected drug or prostitution activity occurring in the City of Eureka is encouraged to call the Problem Oriented Policing Unit at (707) 441-4373.  Anyone with information for the Sheriffs Office regarding criminal related activity is encouraged to call the Sheriffs Office at 707-445-7251 or the Sheriffs Office Crime Tip line, (707) 268-2539.

 

 

 

 

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