38 arrests in Hempstead prostitution sweep

The Hilton Avenue area of Hempstead was the scene of a sweeping crackdown on prostitution last week as Hempstead police made 38 arrests as part of a two-night sting operation, police said Tuesday.

Police said four women and 34 men were arrested.

Police said the operation involved male and female undercover officers and was conducted following a host of complaints by residents.

The clients were all charged with patronizing a prostitute, while the prostitutes arrested were charged with solicitation, police said. None of those arrested were identified.

Police said 19 of those arrested lived outside Hempstead village.

"After hearing concerns from residents regarding prostitution in our area, I'm extremely pleased with the work of our dedicated police officers," Chief Joseph Wing said in a prepared statement released Tuesday.

Mayor Wayne J. Hall called the crackdown "a step in the right direction" and said it "will certainly send a strong message to other offenders."

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