Clockwise from top left: William Beamon, Gerald Watkins, Ashton Ammons and Edward Holloway
William WatkinsThirteen people were arrested or cited on gambling, prostitution and other charges during the sting on Wednesday and Thursday, according to police. Investigators used undercover agents to target suspects.
Eight people were arrested or cited the first day in Oak Grove and five people faced charges the second day at two locations in East Lake: 2800 Watauga St. and 2000 Willow St.
Neighbors alerted police to several areas that prostitutes frequented, said Capt. Brian Cotter. Gary Ball, a member of the Ridgedale Community Association, sent police photos of women he suspected were working as prostitutes.
"I took pictures, and it didn't take me but two days to get the pictures of the girls on the porches, and walking the streets, and then the police took it from there and worked on it," Ball said.
Cotter said Ball's photos gave him enough evidence to pass the case on to the police department's narcotics and vice investigators, who specialize in crimes such as gambling, prostitution and drug offenses.
"Once we got the photos, they corroborated the initial complaint and I could turn it over to the vice team," Cotter said. "We knew what was going on and that it needed action right away."
On Wednesday, investigators focused on arresting prostitutes, and on Thursday, they focused on the men who patronized the prostitutes, Cotter added.
Some of the suspects were immediately arrested, while others were issued citations to appear in court.
Contact staff writer Shelly Bradbury at sbradbury@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6525 with tips or story ideas.