Jennie Runevitch/Eyewitness News
Johnson County - Police say prostitution has become a constant problem along Indiana highways. They say businesses along I-65 are attracting more than semi traffic, and that they've become a hotbed for prostitutes cruising for customers.
"I am sure that these people are floating back and forth to all the businesses there at the interstate. I'm sure this type of crime occurs weekly, if not daily," said Johnson County Chief Deputy Doug Cox.
But Tuesday, a manager at Whiteland's Pilot Truck Stop took action. He called police after noticing the same car in the lot visit up to 30 times in the last two months.
Investigators followed the car to the Flying J across the street. They saw a woman get out and spend time in a trucker's cab.
Afterward, police arrested 21-year-old Carissa Chapman, who is eight months pregnant, for prostitution. The truck driver, 47-year-old Clayton Woodman, told police he paid her $80 for sex.
Woodman says Chapman propositioned him over CB radio, asking, "Who wanted some company?"
"In these types of cases involving a truck stop, CBs are important. Usually the traffic begins while the individuals are traveling up and down the interstate. Once they get that client on the radio, typically they'll meet at a certain location and that's where the transaction will take place," Cox said.
But police say the prostitution problem is so prevalent, it's gone beyond solicitation by CB radio.
They discovered adult ads on the internet too.
One advertised as South Side Indy read, "Do you need your semi cleaned?" and "We can meet in the parking lot."
It's a frustrating find for investigators, who say they are fighting a crime that's tough to catch, especially with limited manpower.
Police now hope more businesses take action and call with tips to keep traffic from stopping along I-65 for the wrong reasons.
Carissa Chapman bonded out of jail Thursday. She faces up to a year in jail and $5,000 in fines.
The semi driver will have to appear in court for patronizing a prostitute.
Police say Chapman's husband actually took her to the truck stop. He was not charged.
