Police: 17-year-old girl transported across state for prostitution
TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) – Several people are facing charges after reports of online prostitution.
The Terre Haute Police Department conducted a sting operation on May 6. Officials say the investigation began weeks ago after they heard about a website that hosts an area for “escorts.” Officials say the website, backpage.com, is designed for people to buy and sell items.
Officials say the individuals were set up by a decoy who arranged for a meeting at a hotel in Terre Haute.
Police arrested Alysia Palacios, 19, Kayle Young, 19, Deanna Welcher, 47, Chavala Wilson, 33, and Anthony Irons, 35. All individuals are facing a series of charges.
Police say a 17-year-old girl was brought to Terre Haute from South Bend, Indiana by Wilson and Irons for the purpose of prostitution. Officials say she is now in the care of the Department of Child Services.