Tampa Criminal Lawyer Blog

Tampa authorities arrested two women who allegedly used the popular website, Craigslist, to solicit customers for acts of prostitution. Undercover officers searched the online classified site for possible ads associated with prostitutes soliciting sex. The Tampa Police Department set up an undercover sting operation at hotel located at 4732 North Dale Mabry Highway in Tampa.

Within two hours of each other, Tampa Police arrested two suspects in connection with soliciting sex acts online. The first of the suspects, 26-year old Jodi Boatright, arrived to the room and requested $200 to perform a sex act. Officers contacted the second suspect, 20 year old Genevieve Kloska, via phone. Kloska showed up and suggested she perform a specific sexual act for a fee of $200.

Both female suspects were arrested and charged with prostitution. Boatright remains inside the Orient Road Jail on $250 bond. Kloska is awaiting trial out on bond on $250 bond.

Police took a Tampa man into custody after he used his 12-year old son to solicit sex. The defendant, 61-year old Severino Quintana, allegedly engaged his son to translate a sex transaction with a prostitute. This prostitute turned out to be an undercover police officer. Quintana allegedly instructed the twelve year old boy to translate to the undercover officer that he would pay $20 in exchange for sex.

Officers arrested the defendant and charged him with soliciting another person to commit to prostitution and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. The twelve year old boy has been released into the care and custody of his mother. Quintana has not yet posted the $750 bond and remains inside the Orient Road Jail.

Pursuant to Florida Statute 796.07, it is unlawful to solicit sex with the intent to commit prostitution. Anyone who is arrested for this crime faces a charge of a second degree misdemeanor for the first offense. Under Florida law, a second degree misdemeanor can be punishable by up to 60 days in jail and a maximum fine of $500.