Milwaukee Common Council Set to Increase Penalties
“We’re holding the johns accountable;” Milwaukee Common Council set to increase penalties for those who solicit prostitutes
Mary Spicuzza, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Published 10:56 a.m. CT April 5, 2019
Anyone caught trying to solicit prostitutes may soon face much steeper fines in Milwaukee.
Penalties for so-called johns would increase to a range of $5,000 to $10,000 — from the current $500 to $5,000 range — under a measure advancing at City Hall.
Ald. Russell W. Stamper II, the lead sponsor of the proposal, said he wants to reduce demand by targeting men who are trying to pay for sex, rather than just repeatedly arresting prostitutes, some of whom are sex trafficking victims.
"We're holding the johns accountable," Stamper said. Read more here...
Here more about this proposal by listening to an interview with Mary Spicuzza on Wisconsin Public Radio.
Here’s an update on the story from CBS 58, Milwaukee.
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The Milwaukee Common Council approved legislation to increase penalties for people who solicit prostitutes. Before the increase, fines started at $500. Now, fines start at $2,500. City officials say they hope to end prostitution by targeting "Johns." Residents are urged to call police if they see anything suspicious.