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Oregon Road Conditions & Cams Email Story to a Friend October 29, 2005 Multiple arrests made in prostitution operation By CHRIS CONRAD Mail Tribune In an attempt to curb Medford’s sex trade, police netted seven people in connection with prostitution in a sting operation conducted Thursday night. "We get information from time to time from various sources that certain escort services and other sex-related enterprises are engaging in prostitution," Medford police Lt. Tim George said. The sting was conducted at an undisclosed North Medford motel. The police informant would call for "entertainment" from the motel and arrest people who were willing to engage in sexual activity for money, George said. George would not reveal certain tactics used by police, saying it may compromise future stings. "It was obvious from the start that these individuals were offering sexual conduct or contact for a fee," George said. Advertisement The sting was closely monitored and supervised by police to ensure the safety of everyone involved, George said. During the course of the night, police were able to link at least two women to an escort service run by two Medford residents, George said. Barbara Jean Bransford, 42, allegedly ran the escort service that dealt in prostitution. She was lodged in the Jackson County Jail on a charge of promoting prostitution — a felony — and later released on her own recognizance. Police also arrested Dennis Dewey Gardner, 27, who they believe worked closely with Bransford in the business. In all, three women were jailed for prostitution. The women hailed from Ashland and Medford. Two more women, one from Talent and the other from Medford, were cited and released. Prostitution is a misdemeanor in Oregon. Every call made by the informant led to an arrest, George said. "We were seven for seven, which is not a good sign," he said. The sting began at around 4:30 p.m. and ended at midnight. George said they could have made more arrests if they had continued. He believes that because prostitution is linked to many crimes such as coercion, rape and drug abuse, to leave it unchecked is to invite organized crime to take root in the Rogue Valley. More stings are planned, based on evidence collected Thursday night. Police also seek to help those engage in the sex trade. "We’re actually doing these people a favor," George said. "The danger involved with these people is that they can fall victim to all kinds of crimes. You never know who’s behind the door." Mail Tribune Home | Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life | Opinion AP News | Archives | Site Map | Community | Classified Copyright © 1997-2005 Mail Tribune, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Website Feedback www.bingo.com Home Security Systems Trunks, Footlocker dvd-r Distance Education Computer Security Ztech Media Hosting Sports Equipment Online Casino Reviews Student Loans tcg student loan consolidation Online Pharmacy online casino Myspace Home Equity Loans Windermere Van Vleet Rogue Valley Travel Reservationstogo Hotel Reservations Southern Oregon Loans Online Casino News Natto Kinase Nattokinase Casino Gambling Sites Budget Website Templates Investments & Loans Advertisement s