Chief Patrick Keefe
32 North Main St.
Andover, MA 01810
For Immediate Release
Friday, April 15, 2016
Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net
Three Arrested in Andover Police Prostitution Sting Operation
New Multi-agency Task Force Targets Human Trafficking
ANDOVER — Chief Patrick Keefe reports that the Andover Police Department arrested three individuals yesterday as a result of prostitution sting targeting human trafficking.
- ANTONIO A. GARCIA, AGE 31, OF LYNN was charged with Human Trafficking and Deriving Support from Prostitution.
- MIKEALA BRUNKE, AGE 21, OF QUINCY was arrested on three outstanding warrants.
- KHADIJA JULIEN, AGE 19, OF DORCHESTER was arrested on an outstanding warrant.
On Thursday, April 14, in conjunction with Massachusetts State Police Detective Lt. Pi Downsbrough, members of the Andover Police Department’s Detective Division, the FBI’s Crimes Against Children Unit, and the newly formed Massachusetts State Police High Risk Victims Unit, conducted an operation targeting prostitution and human trafficking at a local hotel.
As part of the operation, which occurred from 5-11 p.m., undercover officers arranged “dates” with a total of seven females using websites that advertise sexual encounters for a fee. A team of officers monitored the parking lots of the hotel for the women to arrive, and also intercepted their vehicles once officers confirmed that a transaction had been negotiated. One of the females interviewed by police was rescued and the other six, including BRUNKE and JULIEN, refused assistance.
“Prostitution is not a victimless crime and those responsible should be held accountable,” Chief Keefe said. “I would like to thank our law enforcement partners from the State Police and the FBI for their assistance in conducting this operation. We are grateful for these very valuable partnerships.”
All three suspects were held at the Andover police station pending their arraignment.
The Andover Police Department will continue to conduct these operations at hotels and commercial areas in an attempt to dissuade prostitution and human trafficking in town.
These are allegations. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty.
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