Illegals busted in "bawdy" sting

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. - WAVY.com has new details in a prostitution ring investigation on the peninsula.

Newport News police charged two women with prostitution, nine people with "frequenting a bawdy house" and one man with operating a "bawdy house."

The raid happened Friday night on Eastwood Drive near the corner of Bland and Warwick Boulevards. Police say most of the suspects are natives of Mexico or Ecuador --- but live locally for work.

WAVY.com has learned a similar bust went down in James City County at the same time.

According to search warrants obtained by WAVY.com, the investigation began involving drugs at a home on Eastwood Drive. Police called in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) because of who they found inside.

Newport News Spokesman Harold Eley said, "The individuals frequenting the house could be in more trouble because they are in the country illegally...and may be deported."

ICE tells WAVY.com it's still trying to determine their immigration status, but 12 have been taken into custody.

Fillip Vargas rents the house.

At the same time Friday night a similar bust went down at a Route 60 home in James City County. It was there where police took Vargas into custody.

According to a criminal complaint, "Girls were likely brought from across state lines to work in this ring. It is believed Felipe Vargas-Ortega and Emma Tlacoxolal-Perez were running and involved in the organized operation of the prostitution ring."

That would upgrade the charges from misdemeanors to federal violations.

Confirmed by Newport News police, "The person running the Newport News house may be implicated in the James City County incident."

According to the search warrant, drivers of the cars were told to park them in the back lot. The alleged customers were told to go in the back door.

This afternoon law enforcement met to decide how the case will proceed. It's believed the case will be handled through a grand jury.

All those arrested remain in jail without bond.