BECKLEY POLICE CITE 'MAJOR PROBLEM,' DECLARE WAR ON PROSTITUTION IN CITY

Beckley police acknowledge a "major problem" with prostitution following
two more arrests last week in the city. The arrests raised the tally to six
in two months. On Friday, Patrolman Tim Sweeney and Cpl. Dean Bailey
arrested 31-year-old Candy Perdue of Beckley on South Heber Street.

The previous day, Liane Gray, 30, also of Beckley, allegedly solicited
money for sex from an undercover agent working for the police department,
according to Detective Sgt. Jeff Shumate.

Shumate said the arrests signal the beginning of a war city police have
declared on the illegal sex trade in Beckley.

"We're pursuing a proactive style of investigation into prostitution in
this area."

Detective Lt. Cedric Robertson championed Shumate's statement, pledging
heightened police concentration in sections of the city where prostitution
arrests have been made in the past - Heber Street, Earwood Street, Woodlawn
Avenue and Five Corners.

"We've got a major problem with prostitutes," Robertson stressed. "We have
increased patrols in that area, and we also are targeting that area for
illegal drugs ... ."

The detectives pointed out the areas afflicted with prostitution are also
hot spots for the illegal drug trade, adding those practicing prostitution
in Beckley tend to be drug addicts.

"The reason they are participating in prostitution is always they have an
addiction problem, and they're doing it so they can satisfy the addiction,"
Shumate said.

Officials said that Gray had prior drug-related arrests. Perdue was charged
with possession of a controlled substance, in addition to the prostitution
charge.

Within the marked neighborhoods, there is a division, the detectives said.

Some residents are cooperating with police by reporting prostitution.

"We'd been receiving several complaints (of prostitution)," Robertson said,
adding the latest arrest came after an informant tipped off city patrol.

On the flip side, Shumate said, several citizens have contributed to the
hike in the city's unlawful sex traffic by providing a safe harbor for
prostitutes.

"There's always been some form of prostitution around," Shumate stated.
"But now there are houses allowing prostitutes to bring johns in.

"We are aware of some of the locations and intend on investigating."

Operating a house of prostitution is a misdemeanor criminal offense
punishable by up to six months in jail.

After a third conviction, the charge can be raised to a felony, Shumate said.

Both Gray and Perdue were arraigned in Raleigh County Magistrate Court and
posted $500 bonds the days of their respective arrests, Robertson reported.