NYPD Operation Targeting Men Who Solicit Prostitutes Nets 16

NYPD Operation Targeting Men Who Solicit Prostitutes

Hal C Clarke

In a recent series of arrests in New York City,  16 men were apprehended between August 18 and 25 for their alleged involvement in soliciting prostitutes in broad daylight. This startling event was reported by the New York Post.

One particularly alarming aspect of this group of arrestees was the presence of Walter Barnes, a 53-year-old registered level-3 sex offender with a history of at least four years in prison. Barnes had been repeatedly entangled in criminal activities since 1984 and had faced charges in 2014 for allegedly raping a woman while impersonating an NYPD officer, as reported by NBC New York.

This series of arrests occurred in the context of a separate New York Post report on the resurgence of prostitution in East New York, reminiscent of the 1990s era. The area had witnessed 11 shootings between 2021 and 2023, with five of them directly linked to prostitution, according to the New York Post. Disturbingly, some of the prostitutes involved were reported to be underage. In response, the police not only arrested pimps and clients but also offered support and assistance to the young individuals involved, aiming to help them exit the world of prostitution.

Disturbing video footage posted online further highlighted the brazen nature of the prostitution issue in East New York. The video, titled “East New York Ep. 2,” captured scenes at 7 a.m. on July 28 along Stanley Avenue near Sheffield Avenue. In the footage, a woman dressed in a revealing orange negligee and silver platform heels was seen walking provocatively in front of a parked car and a trash truck in an industrial area. Another woman, seemingly topless with an open jacket, crossed the street in front of oncoming traffic. The video also showcased other women in suggestive attire approaching potential clients.

The resurgence of open-air prostitution depicted in the video was reminiscent of the lawless 1990s, according to retired Detective and John Jay College professor Michael Alcazar, who had worked in East New York’s 75th Precinct for three decades. Alcazar recalled patrolling areas swarming with prostitutes during that era and expressed his concern about the recent resurgence, especially since it appeared to involve trafficking, including minors.

In his reminiscence, Alcazar mentioned how, during his time as an undercover officer, the NYPD would arrest 13-year-olds involved in prostitution and provide them with the necessary assistance and support to break free from this dangerous and exploitative lifestyle.

The situation in East New York serves as a stark reminder of the challenges posed by the revival of open-air prostitution and the need for concerted efforts to address not only the immediate legal concerns but also the underlying issues that drive individuals into such activities. It remains a complex issue that law enforcement and social services must work together to combat effectively.

Editors Note: A previous version of this story stated that one of the individuals arrested was reported by the New York Post to be a professor at CUNY’s Jon Jay College of Criminal Justice. The New York Post cited a school spokesperson, who mistakenly confirmed that the individual, Chernor Barrie, was employed at the college. In fact, the college has now confirmed that the individual arrested is a different person by the same name as the professor. This story has been updated to remove the statements connecting the suspect to CUNY.