Dozens of men hoping to get lucky Friday got a rude awakening when detectives answered the phone instead.
Detectives from the Monroe County District Attorney's Office conducted a web-based prostitution sting as part of their efforts to combat human trafficking.
Starting at 8 a.m, the detectives posted decoy ads on backpage.com and waited for the calls to roll in. Each call was initially fielded by Detective Kim Lippincott, who would engage the man in conversation while Detective Brian Webbe used the number to find his information.
Doing this provides them with more personal information so they can address the perpetrators by name, mention their address and bring up other relationships that may catch their attention. It "really changes the impact that it has," Lippincott said.
More than once, Webbe said "I'm sure you wouldn't want your wife knowing that you're seeking these services."
The men that fell into the trap were not arrested, however. Lippincott said that research showed operations such as this were most effective in deterring first time offenders. Thus, the goal was to raise awareness. They were warned that if they continue to frequent backpage.com, the next time would result in an arrest.
"It's your lucky day," Webbe told the men.
Webbe sought to educate those he spoke with, explaining the extensive opioid problem plaguing Pennsylvania and that many women involved in prostitution are very rarely doing so at their own will. Rather, they are often forced by someone else or doing so to feed an addiction.
By responding to ads on backpage, you're contributing to the problem, Webbe told the men.
The ads were posted in the dating section of backpage.com and pictures from backpage in other states were used for the profile. The calls were fielded using two undercover phones, and the detectives estimated about 120 calls came in throughout the day.
This is the newest operation working toward Monroe County's goal to combat sex trafficking. Last week, a prostitution sting resulted in 11 arrests. Stings are expensive, however. This is the first -- but certainly not the last -- time doing these phone-based stings.
"This is a way to get the word out there that this won't be tolerated in our community," Lippincott said. "Our goal is to deter as many people as possible."
Although the men were not arrested Friday, their information was logged so detectives will know if they are repeat offenders. In the future, they won't be so lucky, they said.
Along with discouraging potential offenders -- which would be charged with patronizing a prostitute if arrested -- the detectives also reached out to women posting ads in hopes of helping them get out of the business.
As Webbe told the men, many women are forced into prostitution or do so to feed an addiction. But there are organizations and resources that can help.
One such organization is the non-profit Truth for Women. Executive Director Kim Checkeye was present at the operation to try to get through to women, make sure they're safe, provide them with the human trafficking hotline number and tell them there is a safe place for them to go, if they choose.
Truth for Women owns and operates a therapeutic women's home for those recovering from sex trafficking.
Alyssa Mursch may be reached at amursch@lehighvalleylive.com. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.