A prostitution sting at a West Monroe motel this week resulted in the arrest of four men who allegedly solicited the services of a prostitute.

Taken into custody by Ouachita Parish deputies were: Abdul Shaik, Carlow Furlow, Johnston Landrum and Thomas Page. In each of the separate cases, the men were accused of contacting a woman and offering her money, ranging from $50 to $75 dollars for sex. 

Chris Bray, of the National Criminal Justice Center, is working with agencies around the state trying to flush out customers, as well as traffickers and others who profit, or are victims of, illegal sex activity. 

Calling the idea of sex trade “very unsettling,” Bray said, “people are uncomfortable and a lot of people don’t want to recognize or admit that it’s happening in their neighborhood or their backyard.”

“This is kind of the topic that no one wants to talk about,” Bray added.

It’s cases like these that have motivated federal, state and local leaders and authorities to crack down on sex trafficking. 

“If you ignore the problem it’s just going to get worse and worse and worse,” Bray said.

Bray said arrests like the four in West Monroe will hopefully bring an end to the issue that affects cities large and small. 

Ouachita Parish Sheriff deputies said this is an ongoing investigation.