Saugus police bust prostitution service

SAUGUS – A Saugus woman living across from the Lynnhurst Elementary School is being charged with running a prostitution service out of her house.Kia Forde, 31, of 50 Palmetto St., Saugus, was arrested on Wednesday and charged with sexual conduct for a fee after an undercover operation by Saugus police, according to Assistant Police Chief Ronald Giorgetti.Forde was arraigned in Lynn District Court on Thursday and was released on personal recognizance by Judge Stacy Fortes.Giorgetti said police began investigating the home about a month ago after receiving complaints from neighbors about “frequent people in and out of the residence.””We went in with the cooperation of the neighborhood and with the work of the detectives we were able to build a case,” said Giorgetti. “Essentially she was contacted and agreed to provide sexual conduct for a fee and she was placed into custody.”According to the arrest report filed in court, a detective called Forde on Wednesday asking to “meet up.” Forde asked if he was affiliated with any law enforcement, to which the detective said he was not, according to the report. The report stated that Forde agreed to perform oral sex for $200.The detective arrived on Palmetto Street at 4:54 p.m. equipped with a listening device and $300, the report states. Forde instructed him to drive until he saw her flash her light on and off and then come open the door, said the report.Forde invited the detective to sit on a bed, where he took out the $200 and, according to the report, Forde told the detective, “first prove to me that you’re not a cop and touch me.”The detective then told her he was a police officer and arrested her, said the report.Giorgetti said Forde is a tenant of the house and noted that the homeowner “to our knowledge, wasn’t aware of the activities of the occupant.”Giorgetti declined to say how many people frequented the home, but noted it was “enough that the residents were concerned and brought it to our attention.”Palmetto Street runs parallel to Elm Street, and the home is easily visible through the trees from the Lynnhurst School.”Given the location, it’s a priority,” said Giorgetti.Forde is due back in court on Jan. 15.Matt Tempesta can be reached at [email protected].