Woman Arrested for Prostitution As She Arrives At Police Department For Sex

Incidental to this case, January 11 was National Human Trafficking Awareness Day.

20-year old Christal D Smith

(SALEM) - Salem Police Street Crimes Detectives arrested a 20-year old Portland woman when she arrived at the Salem Police Department to complete a pre-arranged deal for sexual activity.

Undercover Salem Police Street Crimes Detectives had been communicating with a female on line through an internet site, by phone and text for a couple of days. The communications consisted of negotiations for sexual activity in exchange for money. On January 11, the suspect agreed to come to Salem from Portland in order to perform sexual acts in exchange for money, and she was directed to an unmarked door of the Salem Police Department. The suspect followed the directions to the door and attempted to make contact with what she believed was a "John" at that location. Instead, she was contacted by detectives and taken into custody without incident.

The suspect has been identified as 20-year old Christal D Smith of Portland. She was taken into custody and booked into the Marion County Jail on charges of Prostitution and Promoting Prostitution.

In order to get to the door where she was arrested, the suspect walked through a courtyard where the clearly marked public entrance to the Salem Police Department is located. She also walked directly past several uniformed police officers.

Incidental to this case, January 11 was National Human Trafficking Awareness Day. The Salem Police Department recognizes that prostitution is a widespread problem that can affect entire communities. Those who engage in prostitution activities not only victimize themselves and those with whom they are carrying out those activities, but they can also affect the livability of an entire community.

There are frequently underlying issues affecting those who engage in prostitution, and assistance is available in our communities whether it be for addiction, mental health issues, financial issues or coercion through human trafficking. Those who are affected by any of these issues can contact local crisis help lines. The Northwest Human Services Crisis and Information Hotline is available 24-hours day at 1-800-560-5535 and the Mid-Valley Women's Crisis Service can be reached at their 24-hour crisis line at 503-399-7722. The Salem Police Department urges anyone who seeks assistance or who knows of anyone who needs assistance to contact their local service providers or call 911.

Source: Salem Police