9 Arrests in Prostitution Ring Bust

Most of the suspects are in the county illegally

Updated: Friday, 19 Aug 2011, 4:45 PM MST
Published : Friday, 19 Aug 2011, 4:45 PM MST

PHOENIX - Police busted a prostitution ring Friday, arresting 9 people -- and police say this prostitution ring involved illegal immigrants.

Women were recruited to sell themselves for sex.

Police were tipped off to the criminal activity one year ago after finding a sex ad in a popular Spanish language weekly. The ad solicited sex in Chandler, Tempe, Mesa, and And Phoenix.

"This is probably a little more unique here in Phoenix from the standpoint the vast majority of those arrested were illegal immigrants," says Phoenix Police Sgt. Steve Martos.

The department's vice squad helped bust this ring, arresting 9 people, including a taxi cab driver who would drive the accused prostitutes to different valley hotels to meet with clients.

The taxi cab driver is identified as Gabriel Minjarez.

According to court documents, undercover detectives arranged numerous meetings with girls at hotels like the Marriott Residence Inn and the Red Roof Inn -- offering money for sex.

The ring was run out of an apartment near 35th Avenue and Grand. The group allegedly tried to solely recruit women who were in this country illegally.

"Perhaps down on their luck or in situations where they need money," says Sgt. Martos.

On Wednesday, undercover detectives pretended to hire girls for a bachelor party. When the girls showed up -- they were arrested.

Police say this was a pretty large ring and investigation is far from over. More arrests could follow.

http://www.myfoxphoenix.com/dpp/news/cr ... -8-19-2011