Detective Sgt. Kelly Turney with the Palmer Police Department said the operation was set up online with an undercover female cop posing as a prostitute. The johns agreed to meet for a rendezvous, set up a specific price for a specific service and were arrested.
“They showed up at a location that we had already arranged to have set up,” he said.
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“To my knowledge this is the first time something like this has been done in the Valley,” he said. “We’re going to continue to address this issue.”
He said there’s a lot of different ways to deal with prostitution and police have to look at more than one approach.
“Folks say, ‘How come you’re only going after the johns and not the girls?’ But, like I said, it’s a multi-faceted approach to be able to deal with any issue,” the sergeant said. “You have the same issue when it comes to narcotics. Do you bust the users to get to the dealers? Do you bust the dealers but not the users?”
Prostitution, at least around the Valley, is mainly an online phenomenon, Turney said. There are multiple websites to arrange a local rendezvous.
“We get complaints every once in awhile and I know that Wasilla had gotten some complaints about this sort of stuff going on online,” he said.
The operation, he said, was put on in support of Operation Cross Country, a nationwide effort the FBI spearheaded in 36 cities nationwide the same week as the Valley arrests. The FBI sought to tamp down on child prostitution and human trafficking and said in a press release that it had rescued 52 children being exploited for prostitution and arrested 60 pimps.
Though the Valley operation was different, Turney said, it’s a step in that direction.
“By doing this you’re able to interview those johns to find out, ‘Do you know of anybody who has underage girls or of anybody that might be basically enslaved to this life of prostitution?’” he said.
Asked if prostitution was a problem in the Valley, he said it was surprising to see how many people responded to the phony prostitute.
“By the number of phone calls that we received in a two-day period, I’d say it’s a problem,” he said. “Can we stop it? Probably not. Can we put a big dent in it and show it won’t be tolerated in the community? Absolutely.”
Arrested for soliciting prostitution were:
• Steven A. Brown, 58, of Wasilla
• Carl D. Cook, 44, of Anchorage
• Jeremy Firth, 30, of Wasilla
• Tyler Henslee, 31, of Anchorage
• Gregory S. Hutchins, 50, of Wasilla
• Scottie R. Mack, 27, of Wasilla
• Gregory C. Ray, 42, of Palmer
• Christopher J. Schoff, 46, of Eagle River
• Christopher Seeley, 31, of Palmer
• Vitaly Zhuchkov, 18, of Wasilla
Contact Andrew Wellner at andrew.wellner@frontiersman.com or 352-2270.


Comments
157 comment(s)Unknown2 wrote on Nov 25, 2009 3:44 AM:
colony mom wrote on Nov 14, 2009 8:56 AM:
If Teacher Fired wrote on Nov 14, 2009 5:38 AM:
The entire Colony community has lost whatever small grasp it had on perspective and non-sports things. Enjoy those championships -- they come at a very, very steep price. "
still concerned wrote on Nov 11, 2009 7:29 PM:
he is given too much credit. i sure respect the parents that will be making a change. "
to JP wrote on Nov 9, 2009 1:21 PM:
ALASKAVERITAS wrote on Nov 8, 2009 3:17 PM:
jp wrote on Nov 8, 2009 1:05 PM:
i'm quite certain if you did this, you'd get in big trouble, so why are they allowed to?
what you're saying is "it's okay for police to break the law" and "they don't have to abide by the same laws as the citizens do"
apparently this must be the case, since i see cops passing on the right, running red lights. "
Valley Feminist wrote on Nov 8, 2009 11:38 AM:
Think about it wrote on Nov 8, 2009 10:27 AM:
Whoa wrote on Nov 7, 2009 10:08 PM:
kidrev2000 wrote on Nov 7, 2009 1:26 AM:
We pretend to play the experts. And regard ourselves with a higher opinion than we ought. De we really know more than our local law enforcement? At the end of the day when we are in trouble, they are the ones to call. In my experienece... they do their jobs regardless of our opinions of them! "
Hoops wrote on Nov 6, 2009 6:48 PM:
Hoops wrote on Nov 6, 2009 4:53 PM:
Kyle wrote on Nov 6, 2009 4:47 PM:
Wrong wrote on Nov 6, 2009 12:56 PM:
correction wrote on Nov 6, 2009 10:41 AM:
basketball coach wrote on Nov 6, 2009 9:08 AM:
Beth Tweed wrote on Nov 5, 2009 9:14 PM:
Nobodies perfect wrote on Nov 5, 2009 9:04 PM:
Nobodys Perfect wrote on Nov 5, 2009 3:32 PM:
To Ms Evans wrote on Nov 5, 2009 9:19 AM:
jp wrote on Nov 5, 2009 9:01 AM:
I smell a lawsuit that any decent lawyer could make bank off of!!! "
This stuff happens wrote on Nov 5, 2009 7:53 AM:
Publication: Telegram & Gazette (Worcester, MA)
Date: Monday, April 20 2009
Police Capt. Paul B. Saucier, head of the vice squad which spearheaded the sting, said police targeted men looking to meet women for sex through Craigslist postings and also women offering sex for cash over the Web site.
Twenty people were arrested in the Craigslist sting, where police set up at a city hotel and either arrested women there to meet a man or men who responded to the undercover officer's post.
Not a new technique. "
leon wrote on Nov 5, 2009 6:23 AM:
safety wrote on Nov 4, 2009 7:25 PM:
Lisa Evans wrote on Nov 4, 2009 6:26 PM:
Enough wrote on Nov 4, 2009 3:17 PM:
Enough wrote on Nov 4, 2009 3:17 PM:
concerned wrote on Nov 4, 2009 12:58 PM:
hmmmm wrote on Nov 4, 2009 11:15 AM:
Nobodys Perfect wrote on Nov 4, 2009 5:14 AM:
handcuffs wrote on Nov 3, 2009 8:37 PM:
or one in handcuffs for that matter!!!! "
blinded wrote on Nov 3, 2009 8:35 PM:
girls have game wrote on Nov 3, 2009 8:31 PM:
background wrote on Nov 3, 2009 8:27 PM:
still concerned wrote on Nov 3, 2009 8:24 PM:
Opened a huge can of worms wrote on Nov 3, 2009 3:48 PM:
Someones brother got arrested... wrote on Nov 3, 2009 9:09 AM:
basketball mom wrote on Nov 3, 2009 8:54 AM:
basketball mom wrote on Nov 3, 2009 8:51 AM:
whoa wrote on Nov 3, 2009 8:50 AM:
To Nobodys perfect wrote on Nov 3, 2009 8:33 AM:
Valley local wrote on Nov 3, 2009 8:29 AM:
amazed wrote on Nov 3, 2009 1:18 AM:
RickyD wrote on Nov 2, 2009 7:47 PM:
life lesson wrote on Nov 2, 2009 7:42 PM:
So you know this guy wrote on Nov 2, 2009 4:24 PM:
UK wrote on Nov 2, 2009 1:15 PM:
Dan wrote on Nov 2, 2009 12:34 PM:
basketball mom wrote on Nov 2, 2009 12:15 PM:
jp wrote on Nov 2, 2009 10:18 AM:
The fact that these peoples names were released "as guilty parties" before their "court conviction" would leave the city and borough open for a civil suit, and probable punishment by state leaders.
Innocent until proven guilty"
what is wrong with this people?
time to stand up! "
Nobodys Perfect wrote on Nov 2, 2009 7:40 AM:
Valley Man wrote on Nov 1, 2009 8:31 PM:
whoa wrote on Nov 1, 2009 8:05 PM:
watcher wrote on Nov 1, 2009 4:42 PM:
Nobodys Perfect wrote on Nov 1, 2009 1:22 PM:
LP wrote on Nov 1, 2009 1:00 PM:
AK_patriot wrote on Nov 1, 2009 10:41 AM:
Jason Smealy wrote on Nov 1, 2009 8:57 AM:
Are you crazy? There is no Jury trial for this. And as far as the listing of names goes it is public record. The newspaper lists all the names in a police report in every issue. Do a crim and get in the paper. Last I checked being gay, sleeping around and flirting in bars was not illegal. But prostitution is. These men should have known better. They ruined their own marriages. Stop blaming society for their stupidity. "
to Legalize wrote on Nov 1, 2009 8:23 AM:
What ever happened to wrote on Nov 1, 2009 7:08 AM:
Carrie S wrote on Oct 31, 2009 11:22 PM:
Palmer Dad wrote on Oct 31, 2009 9:49 PM:
Greg hutchins wrote on Oct 31, 2009 8:41 PM:
Legalize it wrote on Oct 31, 2009 3:34 PM:
valley resident wrote on Oct 31, 2009 9:45 AM:
To look in the mirror wrote on Oct 31, 2009 12:00 AM:
Its a sad world..cont wrote on Oct 30, 2009 11:07 PM:
Its a sad world wrote on Oct 30, 2009 11:02 PM:
wow wrote on Oct 30, 2009 3:33 PM:
Typical wrote on Oct 30, 2009 1:54 PM:
Take responsability for your actions. Bottom line!
You dont want your name in the police blotter,dont be stupid. You are not the victim you are the perpetrator. You hurt your family and friends and now you need to own up to it.
Its not the police or govts fault its yours.
Post all the names and then they will think twice to do something stupid again. Make it a crime in the publics eye and see if they turn the other cheek. "
DanInWasilla wrote on Oct 30, 2009 1:46 PM:
Look in the mirror wrote on Oct 30, 2009 1:38 PM:
Palmer Farm wrote on Oct 30, 2009 11:32 AM:
Stuff wrote on Oct 30, 2009 10:19 AM:
didn't know it was legal to commit multiple felonies in order to pursue misdemeanors. "
Tactical Genius wrote on Oct 30, 2009 10:02 AM:
Rampant Burglary wrote on Oct 30, 2009 9:56 AM:
Press Hypocracy wrote on Oct 30, 2009 9:52 AM:
Free bird wrote on Oct 30, 2009 9:50 AM:
George O. wrote on Oct 30, 2009 9:38 AM:
Jeff Casten cont... wrote on Oct 30, 2009 9:10 AM:
Jeff Casten wrote on Oct 30, 2009 9:02 AM:
to Oops wrote on Oct 30, 2009 9:02 AM:
law abiding person wrote on Oct 30, 2009 8:07 AM:
Printing names wrote on Oct 30, 2009 2:27 AM:
Oops wrote on Oct 29, 2009 2:41 PM:
New Valley Imports wrote on Oct 29, 2009 1:07 PM:
DANNY wrote on Oct 29, 2009 11:51 AM:
Society does this all the time with the approval of the majority of citizens.
Think about speed bumps in a parking lot. They affect every driver because of the actions of a few miscreants.
So please stop crying crocodile tears because a few "innocent men" got caught breaking an obviously sexist law. When was the last time a woman was arrested for engaging in the same activity? "
Huntr wrote on Oct 29, 2009 11:20 AM:
get over it its still crime wrote on Oct 29, 2009 10:24 AM:
concerned wrote on Oct 29, 2009 9:48 AM:
LJ wrote on Oct 29, 2009 9:21 AM:
fiberfinn wrote on Oct 29, 2009 9:04 AM:
Libertarian wrote on Oct 29, 2009 8:33 AM:
Read the article wrote on Oct 29, 2009 8:23 AM:
Reserve Judgement wrote on Oct 29, 2009 7:57 AM:
Nothing to do with children wrote on Oct 29, 2009 7:53 AM:
Smith Kid wrote on Oct 29, 2009 7:30 AM:
Notatthefact thatnamesofpeopleIknowof arestupidenoughtodothis, butatthe numberofnegativecomments!
Wow!
If prostitution isnot a problem, then we need to remove the crimes from the books by legislation, but, until then, this IS a crime and therefore these ARE criminal actions, which, being criminal actions, they ARE being criminals, REAL criminals.
This is how it works: Do a crime - be a criminal - suffer punishment.
Don't do a crime - no punishment.
The REST of us have this figured out already! "
interesting wrote on Oct 29, 2009 7:02 AM:
Grateful wrote on Oct 28, 2009 11:13 PM:
Nice police work wrote on Oct 28, 2009 11:07 PM:
The Real Criminals "
palmeranian wrote on Oct 28, 2009 10:55 PM:
It's kind of sick that this is condoned by the communtiy. I was getting pretty disgusted with craigslist myself. "
wake up community wrote on Oct 28, 2009 10:10 PM:
RxR wrote on Oct 28, 2009 9:15 PM:
concerned wrote on Oct 28, 2009 8:59 PM:
While on a date wrote on Oct 28, 2009 7:50 PM:
Give me a break wrote on Oct 28, 2009 7:48 PM:
RH. wrote on Oct 28, 2009 7:43 PM:
keepinmind wrote on Oct 28, 2009 5:56 PM:
jcdinaz wrote on Oct 28, 2009 5:56 PM:
way to go wrote on Oct 28, 2009 5:16 PM:
Disappointed wrote on Oct 28, 2009 5:12 PM:
more wrote on Oct 28, 2009 5:10 PM:
Get a grip. Look in the mirror. This IS a big deal. "
names wrote on Oct 28, 2009 5:08 PM:
As for bigger crimes... I'd like to see the scale. If you read the ADN story, you'll find this was part of an investigation regarding underage incidents. They might not have (yet) anything on the underage piece to print, but these guys were caught as part of THAT investigation. Pursing those that prey on our young is absolutely the right thing!
Cont "
LETS BE HONEST wrote on Oct 28, 2009 4:22 PM:
Palmer Farm wrote on Oct 28, 2009 4:01 PM:
RE Concerned wrote on Oct 28, 2009 2:55 PM:
Just Wondering... wrote on Oct 28, 2009 2:50 PM:
Entrapment wrote on Oct 28, 2009 2:38 PM:
According to Craigslist terms of use you agree not to post content that: g. Impersonates any person or entity i. Is false, deceptive, misleading, deceitful, misinformative, or constitutes "bait and switch" n. advertises any illegal services. So for all you geniuses, of the two police departments, you owe Craigslist $1000. for each post.
I hope you didn't make more than two having only confiscated $2100. and a few cell phones in this act of utter foolishness. Go catch some real criminals. "
Grandma Laughing wrote on Oct 28, 2009 2:27 PM:
Now if the Frontiersman will only publish the pictures of sexual abusers. "
Kyle wrote on Oct 28, 2009 2:16 PM:
Concerned wrote on Oct 28, 2009 12:47 PM:
come on wrote on Oct 28, 2009 12:42 PM:
And last I checked it wasn't a morality issue. It's a criminal law issue. "
AMAZED wrote on Oct 28, 2009 12:22 PM:
kristin wrote on Oct 28, 2009 11:46 AM:
Mr. Priority wrote on Oct 28, 2009 11:19 AM:
finally wrote on Oct 28, 2009 11:03 AM:
continued wrote on Oct 28, 2009 11:00 AM:
I, for one, would not want my son or daughter to grow up believing there is no victim in this – or that the johns were the victims. As for 70% of men doing this – you need to find a better caliber of friend – head to your local church and consider who you are. I believe you speak out of guilt yourselves. I agree with the person who said that all criminals think there is a bigger criminal that the police should pursue. My advice to those who don’t see the harm: try some self-reflection. "
grow up wrote on Oct 28, 2009 10:59 AM:
weird wrote on Oct 28, 2009 10:57 AM:
Mary wrote on Oct 28, 2009 10:26 AM:
I think posting names of those who broke this kind of law is appropriate and will actually help. "
Magpie wrote on Oct 28, 2009 10:16 AM:
The Frontiersman also needs to reconsider it's role in mixing up journalism with being a moral authority instead of a local paper. "
offsoapstone wrote on Oct 28, 2009 9:48 AM:
wow wrote on Oct 28, 2009 9:24 AM:
Taxpayer wrote on Oct 28, 2009 9:22 AM:
DrLongBear wrote on Oct 28, 2009 8:57 AM:
RZ wrote on Oct 28, 2009 8:45 AM:
I'm not seeing that problem. There were no real prostitutes and the "johns" themselves only exist as "johns" because of the fake police prostitutes. "
Boater wrote on Oct 28, 2009 8:06 AM:
TTOSBT wrote on Oct 28, 2009 7:22 AM:
Happy wrote on Oct 28, 2009 7:07 AM:
News Seeker wrote on Oct 28, 2009 5:33 AM:
justwondering wrote on Oct 27, 2009 10:52 PM:
Does it surprise you wrote on Oct 27, 2009 10:40 PM:
Circus Today Circus Everyday wrote on Oct 27, 2009 9:38 PM:
Huh wrote on Oct 27, 2009 7:59 PM:
john doe wrote on Oct 27, 2009 7:53 PM:
Shakin my head wrote on Oct 27, 2009 7:36 PM:
Justathought wrote on Oct 27, 2009 7:30 PM:
John doe wrote on Oct 27, 2009 7:27 PM:
for Prostitution in Wasilla\Palmer Alaska?
I'm curious how those boys got that email address. "
To Dennis O... wrote on Oct 27, 2009 7:17 PM:
Thank you Frontiersman for letting us know our police dept considers ALL crime, REAL crime. "
john doe wrote on Oct 27, 2009 5:52 PM:
Laughable wrote on Oct 27, 2009 3:54 PM:
Everyone always thinks cops should be going after someone worse. "
Valley trash wrote on Oct 27, 2009 3:29 PM:
Jeez wrote on Oct 27, 2009 3:02 PM:
Unknown wrote on Oct 27, 2009 2:55 PM:
I have to wonder if the tables were turned how many of their"own" would have falenl for this. I'm guessing only about half taking into account the stellar reputation our so called Troopers have. "
crimes.... wrote on Oct 27, 2009 2:18 PM:
Dennis O. wrote on Oct 27, 2009 1:39 PM: