Worthington, PA

Tactics Used

Auto Seizure
Buyer Arrests
Cameras
Community Service
Employment Loss
Identity Disclosure
IT Based Tactics
John School
Letters
License Suspension
Neighborhood Action
Public Education
Reverse Stings
SOAP Orders
Web Stings

Worthington is a rural borough of less than 600 residents outside of the Pittsburgh metro area in Western Pennsylvania. Although reports of prostitution activity in the community appear limited, the Worthington Police Department has conducted at least one demand-reduction effort after receiving complaints from residents about suspected solicitation of prostitution. In late 2012, Worthington residents complained about suspected prostitution in a parking area along Route 422.  To address the problem, the Worthington Police Department conducted launched a web-based reverse sting.  A decoy ad was posted by WPD officers and an undercover police woman met and arrested eight men that offered money for sex. In the days following the sting, all of the men’s names and other identifying information were released to the public. When asked about the investigation, the department reported that the undercover officer received 99 missed calls and 204 texts in the 24 hours following the online posting of the decoy ad.

Key Partners

  • Worthington Police Department

 

Key Sources

Web-Based Reverse Sting, Identity Disclosure:

  • “Worthington Prostitution Sting Nabs 8 Suspects,” New Kensington Valley News Dispatch, October 5 2012.
  • “2 Plead Guilty to Disorderly Conduct,” Kittanning Leader Times, November 3 2012.
State Pennsylvania
Type City
Population 589
Location
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