Police crack down on prostitution in Burbank
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Lolita Harper
BURBANK -- The term “undercover” takes on a whole new meaning when the
only thing covering a police officer is a towel.
Over the past month, Burbank vice squad officers have made a
concentrated effort to crack down on prostitution in Burbank by targeting
businesses that advertise “personal massages” on the Internet or in
magazines, Burbank Police Sgt. John Dilibert said.
While posing as customers, officers investigated whether the masseuses
offered sex in addition to rubdowns, police said.
The work has its risk, though, Dilibert said. “You don’t know what
you’re dealing with, and you definitely can’t carry a gun.”
Three women have been arrested on suspicion of prostitution in the
past month. Donna Agnew, 45, was arrested in the 2600 block of West Clark
Street, Burbank; Palma Masters, 43, in the 300 block of North California
Street, Burbank; and Nancy Durrant, 37, in the 2000 block of Glenwood
Avenue, Glendale, police said. All three were arrested at private
residences. Dilibert said the women allegedly advertised private
massages, then offered officers sexual favors for a price.
Although prostitution is only a misdemeanor, Burbank police think it
poses a considerable threat to the community, the family structure and
public health, especially with the increase in the spread of sexually
transmitted diseases, Dilibert said.
“People say it’s a victimless crime,” he said. “Tell that to the
families of these guys who are doing it.”