Alleged prostitution ring operated near high school
MERRILLVILLE — Five people were arrested Friday in connection with a prostitution ring and drug dealing operation operating a few blocks from Merrillville High School.
Acting on information gathered after an anonymous tip the Lake County Drug Task Force executed a search warrant Friday at 402 E. 69th Place in Merrillville, according to Patti Van Til, public information officer from the Lake County Sheriff ’s Department.
The suspects are accused of operating a prostitution ring, making bookings through a website for Finest Dynasty Inc., which offered “upscale companions” for an hourly rate. Crack cocaine was also being sold, according to police.
Jeremy Moats, 24, of Merrillville has been charged with dealing crack cocaine, false informing, visiting a common nuisance and possession of crack cocaine.
Brittany Derkits, 20, of Merrillville was charged with visiting a common nuisance and Rachel Kemp, 25, of Tinley Park, Ill., was charged with dealing crack cocaine and visiting a common nuisance.
Charges are expected against a third woman and second man who were also found at the residence at the time.
Lake County Sheriff John Buncich in a statement Monday credited the department’s tip line for the arrests. The tip line can be reached at 1-800-750-2746.
“We encourage the public to continue to contact us. The information is valuable and fruitful to our investigations,” Buncich said.
“In this instance these crimes were being committed within a short distance from the students at Merrillville High School.”