Prostitution bust in Newport News

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. - WAVY.com had exclusive access to a major prostitution bust in Newport News, Friday and Saturday nights. Investigators say prostitution is a big problem and they refuse to allow the crime to spread throughout the city.

It was a two day operation.  The first day focused on catching the men or "Johns" who buy a prostitute's services.  The second day targeted the prostitutes themselves.  During the operation WAVY.com got an exclusive look into a crime investigators say can snowball into a much bigger issue than illegal sex.

Our investigation into prostitution in Newport News revealed it's not just a crime that happens at night.

"It seems to have blossomed just recently."

Speaking exclusively with WAVY.com, Sergeant James Paddleford explained it's a crime that happens in broad daylight and along Jefferson Avenue, a main thoroughfare through Newport News.

"It effects the quality of life for businesses and residents. It facilitates criminal activity since there's drug use and things like that."

As the sun was shining, the first alleged prostitute hopped into an undercover officer's vehicle and offered her services.  10 On Your Side's Katie Collett confronted her after her arrest and she denied making a deal.

"I was walking. I need a ride home. I don't have my purse or anything with me," said the woman.

The next woman handcuffed refused to answer our questions.  Throughout the night, officers made several more arrests and only 10 On Your Side had cameras there to catch Newport News Police in action.

"We're trying to make a statement that we're not going to put up with the prostitution anywhere in the City of Newport News," says Paddleford.

You may wonder why investigators dedicated a full day of this operation to catching the men who pick up the prostitutes rather than just catching the prostitutes themselves.  We'll answer that question when our full investigative piece airs this Thursday at 6pm.