PALM BAY, Fla. -- Palm Bay police say they're cleaning up prostitution, not just on the streets, but in neighborhoods, specifically escort services run out of homes and completely to the surprise of neighbors. The signs of a daycare center are everywhere at Coretta Battle's home in Palm Bay, from the playground out back to the credit card labels on the front door. But, police say, the 36-year-old had more women at the home than children, at least 15 escorts selling sex. Immediately after her arrest, police picked up Julie Blackwell, who, they say, was also running an illegal escort service out of her home.
Both even advertised in the yellow pages. A date and massage, as they advertised, are completely legal, but investigators say the women from Absolutely You and Prestige Escorts would meet men at hotels, offering sex for $100 to $600.
It's what detectives found inside the homes that they say could lead to dozens, if not up to one hundred, more arrests. A search turned up ledgers, with names, phone numbers, and checks from the men who've used the illegal services. Palm Bay police say they're going after them now.
Both women have been charged with having sex for money and prostituting other women. Police confiscated their cars since they were used to go to the hotels and could end up taking their homes as well.
