July 21, 2017

RCPD online sex trafficking investigation nets four offenders

Four people have been cited as the Rapid City Police Department continues to investigate online sex trafficking and those who respond to online advertisements soliciting sexual activity.

On July 20th, four individuals responded to an undercover prostitution sting held at a Rapid City hotel. They are identified as:

  • 33-year-old Benjamin Bailey of Rapid City
  • 29-year-old Nicholas Douglas of Ellsworth AFB
  • 50-year-old Shawn Downs of Whitewood
  • 38-year-old Cotton Ward of Rapid City

Each of these individuals was cited for the offence of Hiring for Sexual Activity, a Class 1 misdemeanor.

“The Rapid City Police Department is committed to the interdiction of sex trafficking in our community,” says Sgt. Kelvin Masur of the RCPD’s Criminal Investigation Division. “This is not a victimless crime. Individuals who respond to online advertisements soliciting sexual activity create a market for the trade. The RCPD is dedicated to destroying this market in our community.“

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