19 arrested in Pierce County prostitution sting

Nineteen people were arrested Thursday night during an undercover prostitution sting in Pierce County, according to the Sheriff’s Department.

Multiple agencies coordinated the operation, which took place in University Place and landed six men and 13 women behind bars.

The women were arrested on suspicion of misdemeanor prostitution. The men, allegedly working as pimps, were arrested on suspicion of promoting prostitution.

Undercover detectives pretending to be customers used various online sites to set up meetings with alleged prostitutes.

Prosecutors will review the cases next week and decide whether to file charges.

This story was originally published May 27, 2016 at 2:19 PM with the headline "19 arrested in Pierce County prostitution sting."