RINCON, GA (WTOC) -
"Everyone that we had dealings with Tuesday night came with their pimp. I guess that's the best way to describe it," explained Sheriff Jimmy McDuffie, with the Effingham County Sheriff's Department. He and Rincon Police Chief, Mike Bohannon, gave more details about the sting in a news conference Wednesday afternoon.
Undercover detectives with the Effingham County Sheriffs Department and the Rincon Police Department captured eight men and women. Some were pimps, others were prostitutes. One of the eight, Sheriff McDuffie said, might also be infected with HIV.
The eight were lured to the Days Inn of Georgia Highway 21 in Rincon by investigators. "They were calling a cell phone we had set up last week," explained Sheriff McDuffie. "The officers were talking and communicating with these folks. They were pretty explicit in what they wanted to do for drugs or money. The officers answered the texts and said, 'Come on up, let's see what we can do.' And sure enough, they showed up."
A sawed off 12 gauge shotgun was also recovered from one of the criminals.
Investigators learned about the possible prostitution ring after making a drug bust at a home on Walnut Drive in Rincon. "We were hoping we wouldn't have to worry about this," said Sheriff McDuffie, "but every day seems to bring a new challenge."
New challenges folks like Annette Sanders aren't too happy about. Especially after finding out about the prostitution bust. "I was very surprised. I was shocked, actually," Sanders said. "I didn't know anything like that went on around here."
Sanders works in a business close to the Days Inn. She didn't want it identified, and said this latest criminal activity has her worried. "It's just gone from good to bad, and it's not making me very happy. I don't feel comfortable in the area that I work."
"With the population growth moving into Effingham County, issues are going to come with it," explained Chief Bohannon. "Fortunately, for us, we have law enforcement agencies in Effingham County that are proactive in the approach to crime."
A proactive approach Sheriff McDuffie says they'll take one day at a time.
The eight people arrested are facing charges ranging from pandering, to prostitution, to pimping. Michael Pierre, 35, is also facing a charge of possession of a firearm during a crime, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Investigators say the Days Inn hotel did cooperate with them during the sting operation. WTOC did go to the hotel and asked to speak with the Manager. We were told he was not in at the time. He also did not return our phone calls.
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