Joplin Police Conduct Sexual Exploitation Investigation

Aug. 19 – About 25 Joplin police officers, along with officers from other agencies, conducted a victim-oriented outreach Friday and Saturday morning to contact women involved in sexual exploitation and connect them with services that may be able to help.

During the undercover operation, undercover officers contacted four women and agreed to buy sexual favors. A meeting place was arranged. The women were then approached, detained and questioned by detectives.

Three women, ranging in age from 25 to early 40s, were cited for offering sexual favors and then released. Another woman was cited for possession of drug paraphernalia and was arrested on two outstanding Joplin warrants for theft charges. She has since been released, said Joplin police spokesman Capt. Will Davis.

Due to the nature of the operation, no identities are being released.

Law enforcement was assisted by the Regional Intervention Against Sexual Exploitation Coalition and by Life Choices. The women received medical services, resources, and referrals for ongoing assistance from the organizations.

Other law enforcement agencies involved included the Springfield Police Department, the Southwest Missouri Cyber ​​Crimes Task Force and federal authorities, Joplin police said.

Police are asking anyone who knows of someone who has been sexually exploited to report it to police at 417-623-3131 or to contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888.