Police arrested 15 in prostitution sting at park

HARLINGEN, TX -- Police have arrested 15 men in a weekend prostitution sting at a South Texas park amid concerns over immigrants being forced into the sex trade.

Harlingen police say the undercover operation happened Friday and Saturday in the Gutierrez Park area.

A Harlingen police statement says the prostitution sweep was in response to citizen concerns about activity in the area.

Undercover officers who were approached by the suspects agreed to accept money for sex acts.

All 15 suspects were charged with misdemeanor solicitation of prostitution, which carries a penalty of up to $2,000 in fines and six months in jail.