THPD prostitution sting nets several arrests

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​Detectives with the Terre Haute Police Department nabbed several suspects in a sting operation targeting online prostitution yesterday.

The following four females and one male were taken into custody,  and their charges are as listed:
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• Alysia Palacios, 19, Danville, Ill. Prostitution, possession of a stun gun without a handgun permit
• Kayle M. Young, 20, Terre Haute.  Prostitution, failure to appear warrant out of Terre Haute City Court, failure to appear warrant out of division court
• Deanna F. Welcher, 47, Vermillion, Ill. Prostitution
• Chavala R. Wilson, 33, South Bend. Promotion of human/sexual trafficking, human/sexual trafficking
• Anthony I. Irons, 35, South Bend. Promotion of human/sexual trafficking, human/sexual trafficking, possession of cocaine.

“A 17 -year -old female was brought to Terre Haute from South Bend Indiana by Chavala and Anthony for the purpose of prostitution. The juvenile is now in the care of the Department of Child Services,” Public Information Officer Ryan Adamson said.

The investigation reportedly began weeks ago when Assist. Chief Edward Tompkins heard about a website that hosts an area for "escorts." The website, backpage.com, is a website designed for people to buy and sell items.

“The arrestees were setup by a decoy who arranged for a meeting. The meetings took place at a hotel in Terre Haute.  The following people were arrested on the noted charges, transported to Vigo County Jail, as a result of the hard work of Terre Haute Police Criminal Investigation Division,” Adamson explained.

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