5 arrested in Cherokee County prostitution bust

CANTON, Ga. - Five people were arrested Monday as part of an operation to break up a prostitution ring in the Canton area.

Aroldo Roca-Lara, 31, of Canton, Jesus Benigno Hernandez Velazquez, 52, of Canton, Alicia Navarro Flores, 32, of Norcross, Roberto Chavez-Duran, 38, of Norcross and Juan Escabar-Tercero, 48, of Canton, face charges, including pimping, obstructions, prostitution, RICO, prostitution, false statements, keeping a place of prostitution and possession of cocaine.

In a news release, officials said a tip led to a month-long investigation by Several law enforcement agencies including the Cherokee County Multi-Agency Narcotics Squad; the Georgia Bureau of Investigation; the U.S. Department of Homeland Security; and the Canton Police Department.

Police said Roca-Lara owned the prostitution house located at 310 Archer Street and was working alongside Velazquez and Flores.

During the serving of the warrants, Flores was at the residence and was charged with prostitution. Tercer, a local cab driver who operates in the Canton area, was charged in the operation.

Roberto Chavez-Duran

Alicia Navarro Flores

Jesus Benigno Hernandez Velazquez

Juan Escabar-Tercero

Aroldo Roca-Lara

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