West Alabama Task Force Details Latest Prostitution Operation

Tuscaloosa AL

19 February, 2022

2:17 PM

Description

TUSCALOOSA, AL — The West Alabama Human Trafficking Task Force provided an update Saturday following an investigation Thursday and Friday evenings that resulted in 15 men arrested for soliciting prostitution, including a high-level University of Alabama official. Click here to subscribe to our free daily newsletter and breaking news alerts. The Task Force says the men arranged to meet and pay for sex through an online app, with each suspect arrested after arriving at the agreed upon location and speaking with an undercover officer. As Patch previously reported, the arrests included a misdemeanor solicitation charge against Myron Pope — the now-former vice president of Student Life at the University of Alabama. According to a statement from UA President Stuart Bell on Friday, Pope resigned from his position following his arrest. "If buyers were not seeking commercial sexual services, sex trafficking would no longer be profitable," said Capt. Phil Simpson, the commander of the Task Force. "We hope these operations targeting buyers show that we take this very seriously. Our goal is to prevent future exploitation of human trafficking victims who are forced or coerced into prostitution." All of the suspects were charged with misdemeanor soliciting prostitution, with some facing additional felony charges. The Task Force said a full list of suspect names and charges will be released Monday. Have a news tip or suggestion on how I can improve Tuscaloosa Patch? Maybe you're interested in having your business become one of the latest sponsors for Tuscaloosa Patch? Email all inquiries to me at [email protected].