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ST. GEORGE — Two people arrested in a prostitution sting last week may face drug charges, as well. And a teenage girl who was reportedly arrested in the investigation was actually a victim, police now say.
Four people were arrested Friday for investigation of prostitution and human trafficking following the sting by St. George police and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Reports said a 17-year-old girl was among those arrested but St. George police now say she was not.
"She was approached as and interviewed as a victim in this investigation," police said in a Facebook post.
She was taken to a local youth crisis center while her legal guardians traveled from out of state to pick her up Friday night.
Police said the girl was brought to Utah from out of state and was intimidated and compelled into prostitution. Investigators said the group worked out of Las Vegas and had recently traveled throughout Utah engaging in prostitution.
Related:
Teen girl, 4 men arrested in St. George prostitution sting
A 17-year-old girl and four adults, including two from St. George, were arrested in a prostitution sting Friday that involved the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.Detectives served a search warrant on a St. George motel room as part of the investigation and found drugs, including marijuana, hydrocodone pills, suspected Ecstacy pills, and other drug paraphernalia. Two suspects, Leroy Haley and Francis Uhrhan, likely will face drug charges, police said.
They also said Haley punched and kicked multiple police officers while he was being taken to jail.
Suspects
- Francis Uhrhan, 20
Jailed for investigation of: Human trafficking, aggravated exploitation of a prostitute, sexual solicitation, DOPL violation, prostitution, possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute.
Bail: $100,000 cash only - Leroy Haley, 30
Jailed for investigation of: Human trafficking, aggravated exploitation of a prostitute, two counts of assault by a prisoner, interfering with arrest, disorderly conduct, possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute.
Bail: $100,000 cash only.
Also arrested were Bart Higbee, 21, of St. George, on a warrant for patronizing a prostitute in relation to the investigation; and Symon Capel, 24, for investigation of sexual solicitation and violating business license requirements.
