From The Trussville Tribune staff reports
HOMEWOOD — A joint law enforcement operation netted seven arrests, and one juvenile rescue, in a prostitution sting conducted in Homewood.
Police said that on Feb. 5, the Homewood Police Vice/Narcotics unit, in conjunction with Vestavia Hills Police and the FBI, conducted a human trafficking/prostitution operation in the city of Homewood. The operation involved undercover officers responding to social media and internet adds soliciting sexual activity for payment and targeting the Oxmoor Road and Lakeshore Parkway exits off I-65.
The following subjects were arrested and charged:
Kira Brown Tapozada, 23, of Rhode Island – Prostitution
Lauren Michelle Baker, 31, of Jasper – Prostitution
Joanne Karageh, 23, of Rhode Island – Prostitution
Derrick Roberts, 27, of Birmingham- Promoting Prostitution
Rodney White, 23, of Georgia – Promoting Prostitution
Amber Marie Howard, 21, of Bessemer – Prostitution
Nyesha Kilgore, 23, of Birmingham – Prostitution
Law enforcement reported that an additional subject was determined to be a victim of human trafficking. Safe shelter was found for her and a support plan was developed by the FBI’s victim specialists. The investigation into this victim’s circumstances continues.