26 arrested in undercover prostitution operation on Midlothian Turnpike

MIDLOTHIAN, VA (WWBT) - An undercover operation along Midlothian Turnpike finished Thursday, resulting in the arrest of 26 people.

Chesterfield Police, Henrico Police, the FBI and ICE worked together to make the arrests. Charges include solicitation of prostitution and various drug charges.

Police say the operation was aimed at the illegal sex trade.

Undercover officers used a website called backpage.com. It's similar to craigslist and of the 26 men and women busted in an undercover operation - one identity has fallen out of the bag.

We're told the male teacher at Huguenot High School is now on administrative leave.

Richmond Public Schools Chairman, Jeffery Bourne says, school leaders will be watching this case very closely.

"We take matters like this with the most seriousness you can, we are entrusted with people's children every day, so, the most important thing we can do is to ensure their safety and their well being, and make sure they're getting a good education," said Bourne.

This teacher's job here at Huguenot High School is now on the line, depending on the outcome of this case, he could very well lose his job for good.

"In a situation like this, we did act swiftly and decisively which as a school board we'd expect our HR department our administration, they received the information from Chesterfield County Police and began doing what they needed to do from an HR perspective and an administrative perspective," said Bourne.

So, among the 26 arrested, who else is on the list?

Lt. Pete Cimbal of Chesterfield Police says calls were made to Richmond International Airport and the Defense Logistics Agency letting them know, employees based out of their groups were also busted.

"In previous operations we've arrested ministers, high school football coaches and other people who work in positions of authority or respect that you wouldn't normally see," said Cimbal.

The full list of names will be coming out next week. Cimbal says the department has been very successful in these undercover operations which they conduct several times a year.

Copyright 2013 WWBT NBC12.  All rights reserved.