Cops cracking down on suspected prostitution in Orlando tourist district

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — The alleged illicit activities at a lavish hotel not far from Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando came as a surprise to some central Floridians.

"That's crazy. That's crazy because people are coming here for fun," said Orlando resident Tamika Stevens.

"Every time we've been here it's been as safe as anything," said visitor Wayne Aston.

Law enforcement officials said they want to try to keep it safe. And to help do so, they are cracking down on prostitution.

WFTV's Ryan Hughes obtained arrest reports that said undercover agents with the Metropolitan Bureau of Investigation went on a website called Backpage.com and requested sex for money.

The report says that according to police, women showed up at the Crowne Plaza Hotel along Universal Boulevard.

According to the report, some of the women said they were there to give massages, but then, the report says, they offered more than massages.

Five women were arrested at the hotel.

This week, several local law enforcement agencies are combating prostitution in the tourist corridor and along Orange Blossom Trail.

Eight people were arrested for soliciting sex along Orange Blossom Trail over the past two days.

Last week, WFTV reported on the arrest of Melissa Duncan for allegedly running a brothel out of her townhouse next to Dr. Phillips High School.

WFTV