While we may be used to hearing about sex scandals around the Capitol and its adjoining office buildings, it doesn’t seem like such a regular occurrence to hear about it in the actual neighborhood around the Capitol. But sure enough, posted to the MPD-1D listserve (First District), there was a bust this week on one of our busiest streets at VIP Spa, on 8th Street, SE.
This message was posted yesterday by First District Commander David K. Kamperin:
On Thursday, October 15th, acting on tip-line information received from an anonymous source, members of our Narcotics and Special Investigation Division, Prostitution Enforcement Unit, conducted a covert operation. The tip information indicated that females inside of 719 8th St SE were being held against their will. Officers posing as customers gained entry and four arrests were made for various charges to include Operating a House of Prostitution. In addition, assets related to the operation were seized as part of the arrests. The team is following up with DCRA and OAG to start civil abatement orders.
This is just one of the many successes with our tip-line. It also demonstrates that when the community takes an active role in reducing crime and criminal misconduct positive results occur. If you have information of any ongoing criminal acts or information regarding a crime that occurred please contact us- you can stay anonymous. Call 888-919-CRIME or text to 50-411 anytime.
Hats off to Inspector Brian Bray of NSID and his Prostitution Enforcement Unit for their quick action.
Not common? Barracks Row may not be as genteel as it appears! This is the third time on the same block in about three years.
See Frozen Tropics http://frozentropics.blogspot.com/2006/07/just-glad-it-wasnt-h-street-this-time.html#comments
Unfortunately, the Voice of the Hill link no longer works and I couldn’t find it in the WaPo archives.
Recently, ACORN workers on the Row were captured on videotape teaching an enterprising hooker and her pimp how to evade Federal tax laws.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/09/10/AR2009091003644.html
I remember this from the last time a few years ago. Guess the owners/operators didn’t quite figure out that they were on the police’s radar.
Thanks for posting that Margaret. I knew about ACORN in Baltimore but somehow missed the DC incident.
I’ve seen men going into that building. I hope they’re working with DOJ’s human trafficking unit too.
Not the men, but the officials. : )