A prostitution sting in North Florida has resulted in the arrests of 92 people.
Police spent about 4 days reviewing online ads that appeared suspicious. Police responded to these online ads and initiated contact with the suspected prostitutes.
When the sex-for-money exchange was made, the takedown signal was given and the suspect was arrested. This happened 92 times over four days.
Prostitution is a misdemeanor, unless the accused has two or more prior convictions, in which case prostitution can be a felony.
Prostitution is most often targeted by law enforcement through sting operations where undercover police pose as customers. "Reverse stings" also exist wherein the undercover police pose as the prostitutes.
Florida law prescribes conditions of diversion and probation for prostitution offenses, such as participation in an HIV/AIDS class and submitting to an HIV/AIDS test.
Eric Matheny is a Miami criminal attorney and Broward criminal attorney.