Riverside, Ca- For the past two months the Riverside Police Department has been conducting overt and covert operations in the area of University Avenue reference prostitution activity.

On October 27, 2005, around 7:50PM, UNET Officers Stern and Wade were on vice patrol in an alley between Dwight and Ottawa off University Ave. They observed a subject in vehicle talking to three females that the officers recognized as prostitutes. The subjects saw the officers and quickly left the area. The vehicle sped off and attempted to evade the officers, but they caught up with it and stopped it for investigation. The driver of the vehicle had a female subject in the front passenger seat that had been arrested for prostitution one week ago by Officer Stern. Further investigation revealed a small amount of Marijuana, evidence of prostitution/pimping, and a substantial amount of cash in the vehicle. The vehicle was towed and both subjects were transported to the police station for further investigation.

The driver was identified as Christopher Cross, 40 yrs. old of Seattle, WA. He was booked for PC 266 (h) [Pimping]. The passenger was identified as Jennell Swafford, 20 yrs. old of Compton, CA. She was booked for PC 653.22 [Loitering W/Intent Prostitution].

On October 28, 2005, detectives and officers assigned to the Special Investigations Bureau served a search warrant in the 6000 block of Emery St. in the County of Riverside. The search warrant resulted in the seizure of a stolen handgun, marijuana, and other evidence associated with prostitution and pimping. Three known prostitutes and their pimp were found at the location. The females were transported to the police station and later released. The following subject was arrested and booked into the Robert Presley Detention Center for the listed charges:

Joseff Rhodes, 29 yrs. old of Rialto. He was booked for PC 266 (h) [Pimping], PC 12021(a)(1) [Felon In Possession of a Firearm], PC 496 (a) [Possession of Stolen Property].

For further information, please contact Sgt. Bruce Loftus at 951.320.8115