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Warrants out for alleged prostitutes
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Posted on Jan 18 2005
The crackdown on prostitution in Saipan’s main tourist district continues, with the Superior Court ordering yesterday the arrest of seven alien workers who allegedly offer sexual favors for a fee.
Associate judge David Wiseman issued the arrest warrants upon the request of the Division of Immigration, which conducted surveillance operations in Garapan beginning October 2004.
Those ordered arrested were seven female nonresident workers, all of whom are Chinese nationals. Three of them are currently involved in labor complaints against their former employers and hold temporary work authorization, while the rest are employed with valid work permits.
Based on declarations by Immigration inspector Erwin T. Flores, the seven workers were observed by CNMI Immigration officers engaging in prostitution activities in Garapan.
“These individuals over the course of several evenings between October 2004 and January 2005 engaged in active solicitation of passers-by for the purpose of prostitution, a service activity not authorized by CNMI law or the Department of Labor,” Flores said.
He added that the workers violated the conditions of their entry by not working for their authorized employers during these occasions.
Further, Flores noted that the women may not submit an application with Labor for a consensual transfer to this activity, as prostitution is contrary to the CNMI criminal code.
Efforts have been ongoing to curb prostitution in Garapan, which is Saipan’s business center.
At least two government groups have been created to stop sex trade on the island: the Anti-Prostitution Task Force and the Operation High-5, which is headed by Lt. Gov. Diego T. Benavente.
