RNC to Increase Prostitution In Minnesota

The 2008 RNC is expected to attract 45,000 visitors to Minneapolis-St. Paul (one-third of them members of the media) along with an unknown number of prostitutes.

As the RNC nears, the Twin Cities region continues to witness signs of such a large influx of members of media and delegates. From extended bar hours, rising hotel and rental rates, to a less visible but alarming anticipation of an increase in prostitution.

As Jon Stewart host his show at the History Theater and CNN from the Eagle Street Grille. Downtown St. Paul closest to the Xcel Energy Center will be witnessing a different, less visible, kind of action.

Beth Jacobs, a former prostitute that was interviewed by 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS said that conventions such as this are prime targets that prostitutes look for. Jacobs used to belong to a network of prostitutes that traveled in pursuit of large events such as World Series, Super Bowls and political conventions.

"When you are in prostitution, when you go to a new city, the first thing you do is get a convention book and find out where the conventions are at which hotels. Then you know where the money is," said Jacobs.

St. Paul Police said prostitution takes a back seat to security.