Published: May 17, 2008 01:42 am            

Alleged Internet prostitutes arrested

Four people who allegedly used the Web site Craigslist to solicit clients for prostitution services were arrested in a multiple agency sting Thursday, police say.

Albert A. Carter Jr., also known as Butta, 27, of Decatur, Ga.; Krystle D. Haga, also known as Monica, 22, of Tacoma, Wash.; and Louisville residents Brittany O. Shelton, also known as Hollywood, 20, and Trista S. Stevenson, also known as Blaze, 19, were arrested on suspicion of prostitution, said Indiana State Police Sgt. Jerry Goodin in a news release.

ISP and officers from Jeffersonville, Charlestown and Washington County ran the investigation as a team, Goodin noted. ISP used intelligence to determine that advertisements in the “Erotic Services” section of Craigslist were coming from Southern Indiana, even though the location cited was Louisville. Each suspect allegedly offered “escort” services for $175 to $250 an hour, Goodin said.

Undercover officers called each person advertising companionship and set up a meeting in Jeffersonville. Authorities declined to discuss whether the location was a motel or private residence. Once it became clear the suspect was willing to offer sex for cash, they were arrested, Goodin said.

Shelton and Stevenson also are being held for alleged underage drinking. As of publication deadline, only Carter had bonded out of Michael L. Becher Adult Corrections Complex. He allegedly disguised himself as a female while offering sexual services for cash, Goodin said.

In Indiana, prostitution is a class A misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in jail and fines not to exceed $5,000. Underage alcohol consumption is a class C misdemeanor that could lead to up to 60 days incarceration and a fine of up to $500.

Information about upcoming court appearances or formal charges were not available as of publication deadline.

        

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