Middletown is a town in Newport County, Rhode Island. The population is approximately 17,000. It lies to the south of Portsmouth and to the north of Newport on Aquidneck Island. Prostitution activity has been well-documented in the city, surrounding communities, and in other areas of the county. This activity and the problems and ancillary crimes it generates result in complaints to law enforcement agencies from residents and businesses. Citizens have gone as far as forming organized groups in an attempt to reduce local problems associated with prostitution and sex trafficking.

Consumer-level demand provides the revenue stream for all prostitution and sex trafficking and has therefore been targeted by local law enforcement agencies as a strategy for prevention and response. Middletown police have conducted reverse stings, using police decoys, and arrested those who attempt to purchase sex from them.