Seattle police arrest 10 men on ‘National Day of Johns’
Aug 21, 2012, 3:32 PM | Updated: 5:14 pm
The Seattle Police Department took part in the "National Day of Johns Arrests," an effort to target those who attempt to buy sex from prostitutes. (97.3 KIRO FM File Photo/Brandi Kruse)
(97.3 KIRO FM File Photo/Brandi Kruse)
As part of a nationwide effort to crack down on the solicitation of prostitutes, Seattle police arrested 10 men last week for allegedly buying sex.
The Seattle Police Department took part in the “National Day of Johns Arrests,” an effort to target buyers of commercial sex, often referred to as “Johns.”
“SPD’s arrests represent Seattle’s commitment to ending the sex trade by cutting off demand for commercial sex,” City Attorney Pete Holmes said in a statement. “If no one were buying sex, pimps and human traffickers would not be able to profit by victimizing women…”
According to Holmes’ office, the men arrested could face up to 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine if charged with soliciting a prostitute, a misdemeanor.
“We want to show that it’s not OK to buy sex,” said Darby DuComb, chief of staff for the city attorney’s office. “We really want to stamp out demand for the sex trade.”
She said once demand is gone, officials can focus on helping and rehabilitating women who are forced to work as prostitutes.
Nationally, 267 people were arrested for attempting to purchase sex on the “National Day of Johns Arrests.” Organized by the Cook County Sheriff’s Office in Illinois, other participating cities included Boston, Phoenix, Las Vegas and Los Angeles.
