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21 arrested in human trafficking sting operation in Fayette County

FAYETTE COUNTY, Ga. — A two-day human trafficking sting at a quiet Fayette County hotel ended with nearly two dozen people arrested.

Fayetteville police and Peachtree City police combined forces for the operation. Officers set up the sting by answering escort ads on social media and arranging for dates at a hotel off Highway 54.

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Fayetteville police said they noticed suspected human trafficking activity while investigating other crimes at other hotels.

“We wanted to set up a proactive investigation to say ‘Hey, let’s see who’s targeting Fayetteville,’” Capt. Chad Myers told Channel 2′s Tom Jones.

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Peachtree City arrested 12 people last Wednesday and the next day Fayetteville police arrested nine people. Most were arrested on prostitution, pimping and drug charges.

Police arrested several women accused of selling sex, but police don’t want the investigation to stop there.

“We also want to look at those who are being victimized, forced into prostitution because you very well have many people across the country who are victim to that crime,” Myers said.

Police said the hotel, which had nothing to do with the human trafficking, worked with them to make it a successful sting. The manager told Channel 2 that it was important to help out.

“If it was for trafficking and we got them off the streets, out the way, yes of course,” Angela Drains sad.

Officers said no one arrested lived in Fayetteville area. The suspects came from Las Vegas, Texas and other parts of Georgia.

People who live in the area applaud police for cracking down on human trafficking.

“You don’t do stuff like that. I mean they are regular human beings just like we are,” one neighbor said.

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