OXNARD : 6 Women Arrested in Prostitution Raids
Ventura County law enforcement officers have capped a two-month undercover investigation into exotic dancing and nude modeling agencies by raiding three area studios and three homes that reportedly acted as fronts for prostitution, officials said Thursday.
Six women, whose identities were not released, were arrested Wednesday on suspicion of felony and misdemeanor prostitution violations, said Officer Gary Chennault of the Oxnard Police Department’s Field Tactical Unit.
The investigation involved the Oxnard and Ventura police departments, the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department, state and federal agencies and the San Diego Police Department. Chennault said one of the modeling agencies reportedly has ties in San Diego.
The raids began at 7:30 a.m. and ended at 11:30 p.m. Wednesday as officers served six search warrants signed by Municipal Judge Kenneth W. Riley. The raids occurred at 4045 Saviers Road and 1811 N. Ventura Road, Apt. 82, in Oxnard, and 405 S. Anacapa St. in Ventura, Chennault said. Officials would not give out the addresses of the homes that were raided.
The modeling agencies reportedly provided prostitutes between the ages of 18 and 35, Chennault said. Fees generally were $100 for half an hour.
Officers also seized various items during the raids. The investigation is continuing with several more arrests expected, he said.
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