Police: 40 arrested in Hempstead Village prostitution sting

A 10-day prostitution sting in the Village of Hempstead netted 40 arrests, village officials said Thursday.

Eleven people were arrested on prostitution charges and 29 were arrested on charges of patronizing a prostitute, according to a news release from Mayor Wayne Hall and Hempstead police Chief Joseph Wing. Names were not released.

"Crime prevention and the safety and security of our residents are top priority for the Village," Hall said in the release. "We will continue to crack down on crimes committed in our area. These arrests are a step in the right direction and will certainly send a strong message to other offenders."

Half the arrests were made Wednesday night, with 13 people arrested on charges of patronizing a prostitute and seven arrested on prostitution charges. The other arrests were made last week, the village said.

The defendants will appear at Hempstead Village Court at a later date, according to the village.