As part of a new tactical operation, Seattle detectives assigned to a special human trafficking unit recently began photographing the interactions between sex buyers and sellers and attaching the pictures to letters that are then sent to the registered owners of vehicles used in the ‘illicit’ encounters, presumed to be patronizing prostitute(s).
The letters notify registered owners that their vehicle was observed by detectives engaging in “suspected illegal sexual exploitation activity, more commonly known as soliciting or patronizing a prostitute” and include the vehicle’s license plate number, make and model as well as the date, time and location of the interaction. It should be noted that the Seattle Police still conduct sting operations to arrest sex buyers, build criminal cases against pimps and traffickers and investigate assaults, rapes and robberies committed against girls and women involved in the sex trade along the Aurora corridor. These letters are in addition to (not in replacement of) the sting operations; the letter campaign is one more strategy police are using to try to deter “trafficking” on Aurora.
While the letters make clear that sexual exploitation is a crime punishable by up to 90 days in jail, a fine of up to $7,000 and that police are allowed to impound vehicles used in the commission of sexual exploitation, the registered owners are not being accused of a crime and don’t face criminal charges. Instead, the purpose of the letters is “to serve as a warning” that someone operating their vehicle was engaged in suspected sexual exploitation.
If you or a loved one is in a bind as a result of criminal allegations immediately contact a Seattle Criminal Attorney. A Seattle Criminal Defense Attorney is not going to judge you and understands that everyone makes mistakes. Hiring a Seattle Criminal Lawyer to help can – at a minimum – reduce penalties and can help direct people on how to best deal with their criminal charge, and many times even get them dismissed. So, it should go without saying that someone cited for a misdemeanor or felony should hire a qualified Seattle Criminal Lawyer as soon as possible. Criminal charges can cause havoc on a person’s personal and professional life. Anyone charged with a crime in Washington State should immediately seek the assistance of a seasoned Seattle Criminal Lawyer. SQ Attorneys can be reached at (425) 359-3791 and/or (206) 441-0900.
