Nixa is a small city of approximately 24,000 residents, located south of Springfield in Christian County, Missouri. Prostitution activity has been well-documented in the city and nearby communities, and in unincorporated areas of the county. This activity and the problems and ancillary crimes it generates results in complaints to law enforcement agencies from residents and businesses.

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. At least one reverse sting has been conducted in the city. In August 2013, officers from the Nixa Police Department, Christian County Sheriff’s Office and Combined Ozarks Multi-jurisdictional Enforcement Team (COMET) conducted a web sting. Although the details on the operation remain limited, media reports stated that Nixa Police and COMET agents contacted sheriff’s deputies for their assistance. The team then set up an undercover investigation into web-based prostitution in a room at a local hotel. Seven people were arrested as a result of the operation, including three sex buyers. On September 10, 2013, the men were charged with patronizing prostitution. All three has their names and other identifying information publicized in local media outlets.