53 'Johns' Arrested In 6-Day Minneapolis Prostitution Bust

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Minneapolis Police say that 53 people soliciting prostitutes were arrested over the course of six days during a local crackdown on "johns."

The arrests were made between July 12 and July 17, as part of a nationwide effort that was coordinated by the Cook County Sheriff's Office in Illinois.

In all, 64 arrests were made during the crackdown. Fifty-three arrests were "johns" soliciting sex for pay, whereas the rest were related to narcotics, loitering or various other offenses.

"This is a crime that impacts the entire community and we recognize that sex buyers perpetuate an exploitative industry," Third Precinct inspector Michael Sullivan said. "Our officers did an excellent job re-enforcing that this illegal activity will not be tolerated in the City of Minneapolis."

Most of the enforcement focused on Lake Street East between 3rd and 17th Avenues South. There had been complaints from the neighborhood about increased activity.

Twenty-three vehicles were seized in the six-day bust.