The King County Prosecutor’s Office said more than 400 felony cases have been opened since 2024, including a new human trafficking case involving a minor.
SEATTLE — The King County Prosecutor’s Office said Wednesday that more than 400 cases related to… Crime along Aurora Avenue in Seattle. The figures come amid growing pressure from residents to tackle issues related to illegal sex work in the area.
“The neighbors are right, something has to be done. We feel for them,” said spokesperson Kathy McNathney. “We want to show people that not only [crimes] Sued, but we hear you. This is not enough. “
The 427 felony cases included 99 assaults, 44 burglaries, 67 organized retail thefts and 30 unlawful possession of firearms charges.
McNathney acknowledged that many of the cases can be traced to long-term prostitution operations.
A Bellevue man was charged Tuesday with allegedly trafficking a 14-year-old girl along Aurora Avenue, a corridor she called “The Blade.”
“Unfortunately, we see this more often than people realize. The need to purchase children for sex is really driving the problem,” McNathney said. “People think sex work is selective and safe. No one is going to look at what happened to a 14-year-old in Aurora and say, ‘That’s safe.'”
The suspect is scheduled to go to trial on June 4.
Residents living along the Aurora corridor have long complained about drugs, violence and other prostitution-related activity.
In recent weeks, People install homemade barriers in the alley after a series of drive-by shootings.
City Unblocked On May 29, concrete roadblocks were installed as a “traffic calming” measure.
“I think it’s great. [them] Would stop people from turning the corner and flying onto the street. I think this will help deter a lot of people from using the streets after the gun violence, shooting people up and down the streets,” Daniel Matene said after the barricades were installed. “I live within walking distance and I walk my dog three times a day. I see a lot of crazy stuff that we’re not supposed to see. “
Mayor Katie Wilson’s office said city agencies are discussing more permanent options.
