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"The two females were posting ads on the Internet for 'sensual massages,'" said Thumb Narcotics Unit Lt. Mark Opra. "Men would reply to the ads either over the Internet or by phone and set up an appointment. Once they met, a price and a specific sex act was agreed upon."

An investigation began when TNU detectives received an anonymous tip that a Clinton Township woman, 29, and a Grand Rapids woman, 18, were running a business out of the motel. Police aren't revealing the name of the establishment.

"They were really cooperative," Opra said. "They didn't want anything like that operating out of their business."

The two women occupied separate rooms at the motel. TNU set up surveillance and observed several male subjects entering and leaving the two rooms. An undercover detective arranged for an appointment with one of the women.

"We attempted to make contact with both, but only one would return our calls," Opra said. "We set up surveillance in a room next door to the one that didn't respond."

Police were also observing when the TNU detective arrived at the motel at the arranged time; the woman and the bogus "John" agreed to a price and a specific sex act. That's when TNU and Imlay City Police, assisted by Lapeer County Sheriff's Department deputies, made the arrests.

Both suspects were issued appearance tickets and warrants are pending.

Prostitution is a misdemeanor, but that's not the point, said Opra.

"It's a community thing," Opra said. "No one wants this to take root in the community."

Prostitution, punishable by 90 days in jail and or a $500 fine, isn't a prevalent crime in Lapeer County, said Lapeer County Prosecuting Attorney Byron Konschuh.

"It's not unheard of, but extremity rare," Konschuh said.

But that's not the case in neighboring Genesee County, and a large percentage of their busted call girl clientele live in Lapeer County.

"We take the working girls off the street and replace them with decoys," said Genesee County Sheriff's Lt. Kevin Shanlian. "We charge the Johns with solicitation; about 30% of them are from Lapeer County. They come over to Dort Highway, pick up a street whore and get arrested."

Besides risking their health, those found paying for sex gamble with their wallets.

"Johns forfeit their vehicles; state law allows us to take them," Shanlian said. "They can buy it back for $900 if it's their first arrest. If they've been arrested once before it costs them $1,800; three times $2,700. If they don't pay, we sell their vehicle."

Susan Younger may be reached at (810) 664-0811, Ext. 8122 or susan.younger@lapeergroup.com