The national sweep, named "Operation: Buyer Beware," included 20 law enforcement agencies in 11 states simultaneously conducting sting activities on the streets, in hotels and brothels and on the Internet over a 10-day period. In Cook County, 66 "Johns" arrests were made, a Cook County sheriff's news release said.
As a result of Operation: Buyer Beware there were 489 total charges, including 268 men charged once each for soliciting sex; 101 civil citations/misdemeanor arrests, including prostitution; nine pimping/pandering arrests, including child pandering; three possession/delivery of drugs arrests; and four weapons charges. Sheriff's police also say $10,000 was seized and 128 vehicles were towed nationwide.
The Cook County Sheriff's Office led the effort. Other participating agencies included suburban offices, and law enforcement in Indianapolis, Boston, L.A., Phoenix, Las Vegas, Virginia, Ohio, Denver, Nashville and Seattle.
Seven victims were rescued in Newport News, Va., Phoenix, and Cook County after women were picked up for the charge of prostitution and were provided interventions.
