Veteran Detective Recognized for Efforts in Leading Prostitution Sting

Hawaiʻi County Council recognized Hawai‘i Police Department Area I Vice Detective Jesse Kerr for his efforts in organizing a prostitution sting that led to the arrests of several men and one woman in November 2021.

Kerr, a 23-year veteran of the department, was honored in Kona on Wednesday, Jan. 19, during the county council meeting. According to HPD, Kerr planned the undercover investigation, which took place between Nov. 16-18. Eleven men were arrested for soliciting prostitution and one woman was arrested for prostitution.

The certificate of honor was presented to Kerr by Councilmember Matt Kanealiʻi-Kleinfelder on behalf of the County Council. The presentation coincides with January being National Human Trafficking Prevention and Awareness Month, which brings awareness to the issue of the exploitation of women.