CORPUS CHRISTI (Kiii News) — A total of nine women were arrested on prostitution charges Thursday afternoon during an undercover sting operation conducted by the Corpus Christi Police Department's Narcotics and Vice Investigations Division.
According to police, the operation targeted several north and westside neighborhoods frequented by prostitutes.
Police said eight of the nine women who solicited an undercover officer for sex acts in exchange for money were arrested and charged with Class B misdemeanors punishable by up to six months in jail and fines of up to $2,000. The ninth woman was charged with felony prostitution due to previous convictions.
Along with help from the CCPD's Directed Patrol and Uniform Division Bike Officers, a group of civilians from the Red Cord Program assisted in the operation.
The Red Cord Program is a prostitution diversion program. It aims to provide practical and emotional support for those involved in prostitution. They collaborate with the Coastal Bend Wellness Foundation, social service organizations, the Nueces County District Attorney's Office and the CCPD to help give those involved in sex work the chance to address problems they have faced in their lives.
Red Cord provides case management, health services, job training, substance abuse treatment, clothing, housing, counseling and other services. Those who complete the program can have their cases dismissed by the DA's office.
According to police, three of the nine women arrested Thursday agreed to participate and were accepted into the Red Cord Program.
The Red Cord initiative receives no government funding and is supported entirely through donations. To learn more, volunteer or donate, citizens can visit the Coastal Bend Wellness foundation at http://www.cbwellness.org.
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