Local

Deputies: 7-month undercover investigation ends in prostitution arrest

CABARRUS COUNTY, N.C. — Cabarrus County deputies told Channel 9 a home on a quiet Harrisburg cul de sac was a prostitution business.

Neighbors' complaints sparked a seven-month undercover investigation on Bendix Court that ended in the prostitution arrest of Julia Clayton.

"It does make me mad," said neighbor, Jon Reynolds.

Reynolds lives right next door and told Eyewitness News he has been concerned for months.

"One of our neighbors has four little girls," he said.  "Another neighbor has three or four kids."

The undercover detective handling the case told Eyewitness News he watched the house and spotted the signal when customers were welcome.

"There would be a string of pink lights on," he said.  "I guess, as like a beacon so when they pulled into the neighborhood they could find which house to go to."

In early May, deputies charged Clayton with prostitution but they said her actions did not stop.

Last week, deputies set up another appointment.

They said Clayton texted her prices of $100 dollars for a half hour and $160 for 60 minutes.

The undercover officer told Channel 9, "To my surprise, she actually gave me that same address through our texts all over again which confirmed that not only was she still doing it but she was doing it at the very same address that we had arrested her from."

Deputies took Clayton to jail again.

"I'm glad they took care of it," said Reynolds.  "I'm hoping they took care of it."

Eyewitness News attempted to ask the homeowner about the alleged prostitution at his house but he refused to answer questions.

Because the homeowner wasn't home when the alleged prostitution took place, deputies said he will not be charged.

Clayton will face a judge on the prostitution charges June 5.