Lawrence woman charged with prostitution, sex crimes against a child

A 33-year-old Lawrence woman was charged Wednesday with several crimes related to alleged prostitution with a minor.

The woman was arrested Tuesday morning at her home in the 600 block of Gateway Court following an ongoing investigation, which included allegations that the woman advertised “sexually oriented services” online, according to police.

The woman was charged with three counts each of criminal sodomy, aggravated indecent liberties with a child, and prostitution.

During the investigation, police located a 15-year-old Lawrence juvenile who allegedly contacted the woman and engaged in sexual activities with her on more than one occasion at a hotel and a residence.

Statements made by prosecutors at Wednesday’s court hearing allege that the crimes occurred in October and November. The woman has several prior drug crime convictions in Missouri, according to prosecutors.

During the court hearing, the woman said she was a single mother of two children.

The woman remains in jail on a $75,000 bond. Criminal sodomy and aggravated indecent liberties with a child are level-3 severity crimes, carrying prison penalties ranging from 55 months to more than 20 years. Prostitution is a misdemeanor punishable by up to six months in jail.

The Journal-World usually doesn’t name sex crime suspects unless they’re convicted.