The Clay County Sheriff’s announced that its Human Trafficking Task Force conducted a dual operation to target prostitution last week. The task force focused on the demand side for prostitution and to offer positive options to sex workers engaged in prostitution.

The operation consisted of deputies who placed online ads advertising sex for money. An undercover female deputy met with those who responded at an area hotel. Three men were arrested for and were charged with patronizing prostitution. Those charged are 39-year-old Shawn M. Grady of Lathrop, Missouri, 20-year-old Ashton Epstein of Leavenworth, Kansas, and 45-year-old Phillip G. Moore of Kansas City, Kansas.

Deputies and Task Force members also responded to online ads soliciting sex for money. When the sex workers arrived, they were given alternative options to help them escape the cycle of prostitution and addiction.

The Kearney Police Department and Homeland Security assisted in the operation.

KPGZ News - Brian Watts contributed to this story