COCOA POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:  Yvonne Martinez, Public Information Officer, 321-243-7812

Thursday, July 8, 2021 12:41 PM
 
Proactive Enforcement Yields Arrests for Solicitation of Prostitution
(Cocoa, FL)—Two males are facing misdemeanor charges for solicitation of prostitution following special proactive enforcement operations on Wednesday.  The targeted area was along Peachtree St. west of U.S. 1, where residents have complained about increased prostitution and drug activity.
On Wednesday, agents with the Special Investigations Unit along with officers from Bravo Squad deployed to the area with an undercover officer. During the operation the suspects approached the female on separate occasions and negotiated a deal for sexual acts in exchange for money. Each suspect was subsequently taken into custody for solicitation of prostitution. Another eight individuals initiated contact with the undercover officer, but did not secure the deal.  “We have received multiple complaints about the prostitution activity in this area,” said Agent Ben Erskine, who coordinated Wednesday’s enforcement operations.  “We do our best to address these issues because this type of activity contributes to other criminal activity and effects the overall quality of life in the area. We want to send a strong message that we are committed to resolving the problems and improving the quality of life for our residents.”
The 2 suspects arrested are identified as Shino Akim Smith, (DOB 02/07/1980) of Titusville and Vidal Davis, (DOB 11/30/1981) of Homestead. The proactive enforcement operations will continue in the area on a random basis.