Police operation targets prostitution at Fishkill hotel – Mid Hudson News Website

TOWN OF FISHKILL Town police joined with New York State Troopers on Wednesday night to combat prostitution and other illegal activities at a Fishkill hotel. The joint operation resulted in five arrests.

The joint operation was focused on illegal activities at the Extended Stay America at 55 West Merritt Boulevard in the Westage Center.

The investigation resulted in five subjects being arrested for a variety of crimes including prostitution and multiple counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance.

Fishkill Police Chief Keith Dworkin told Mid-Hudson News We know prostitution is not a victimless crime and is often financially intertwined with sex trafficking, drug trafficking, violent crimes, and sexual assault, adding The Town of Fishkill Police and New York State Police have an excellent working relationship and together are committed to investigating and holding accountable anyone who victimizes our residents, their families, and friends.

Chief Dworkin noted that his agency has been monitoring the area hotels for illegal behavior such as prostitution and said Our purpose in conducting these operations is to improve the quality of life for our residents, their family members, and friends who frequent this area. He also issued a warning to potential criminals, saying We want to make it clear that we will be relentless in our pursuit of reducing crime in our community.

Dworkin provided data to bring awareness to the problem. According to the chief, prostitution is commonly associated with human trafficking and illegal drug activity; it is not a victimless crime, ninety-five percent of sex trafficking victims are women or children. As part of this initiative, arrestees were interviewed to evaluate their safety, potential victimization in human trafficking and provide resources to improve their situation.

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Police operation targets prostitution at Fishkill hotel - Mid Hudson News Website