Prostitutes Charleston
Charleston has a complex relationship with prostitution. Historical accounts, like “Wicked Charleston Volume Two: Prostitutes, Politics and…”, detail its past. Brothels, pirates, and hidden dungeons were part of the city’s darker history. By the turn of the 20th century, streetwalkers were nicknamed “mattress girls”. Today, prostitution remains illegal in Charleston, South Carolina, and the wider United States. Despite this, escort directories and advertisements exist online. Sites like 2backpage offer classified listings for Charleston escorts. Users can search by price, age, and location. Top 10 lists for escort services near North Charleston appear online.
Law Enforcement Operations
Law enforcement actively targets prostitution. Police conduct sting operations regularly. Recent examples include a Charleston Naval commander caught in a sting, five arrests in Summerville, and three women charged after an overnight operation. Massage parlors suspected of illicit activity have been raided, leading to arrests. A Charleston Catholic High School teacher faced related charges. In 2023, 21 people were arrested in one sting. Charges can be serious. These include participation in the prostitution of a minor, solicitation, and human trafficking. North Charleston has been compared to New York and Miami for sex trafficking. Lawyers specialize in defending against these charges, emphasizing the legal risks.
Social Views and Ongoing Challenges
Social views are divided. Some see sex workers sympathetically, while others condemn the practice. Charleston White has made controversial statements about prostitutes. The demand from sex buyers fuels the market. Anti-prostitution drives have a long history, with moral reformers targeting it as the “Great Social Evil.” The city’s efforts continue. Police announce arrests and conduct investigations. However, the presence of streetwalkers near certain hotels, like the North Charleston Lodge, is still reported. Charleston’s struggle with prostitution, from its “wicked” past to modern enforcement, remains ongoing.
*TAGS* – mattress girls history, Charleston sting operations, North Charleston sex trafficking
