13 men arrested in 2nd phase of Operation Backpage

By News Staff
Reporting by Matt Blanchette (@mattblanchette)
news@abc6.com 

A second wave of arrests was announced Tuesday in the undercover prostitution sting know as “Operation Backpage.”

Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza and police officials say they arrested 13 men last month in a two day sweep to try and eliminate prostitution in the Capitol City.

During the sting, ads are placed on Backpage.com disguised as women soliciting for sex. Undercover policewomen then arrange to meet the men inside a local hotel room, where they are then arrested.

Police arrested 22 men back in March during a similar sting.  

“Today– once again –we are speaking to anyone out there thinking about trafficking or soliciting for sex on Backpage. Beware. If you’re coming in to Providence to take advantage or abuse women, watch your back because we’re going to get you,” Mayor Elorza said.

(C) WLNE/TV 2015