Ostergren says this is the largest prostitution and human trafficking bust he's seen in Muscatine County.
"One of the things I'm hoping we've accomplished with it is to make people think twice before they engage in this activity," adds the county attorney.
The investigation started over the internet, with authorities posing as prostitutes.
"They can use it to communicate, solicit and advertise," says Ostergren, "We were aware that people were advertising it and seeking it out in our area."
The sting operation took place on Wednesday and Thursday at 2 Muscatine hotels, that have not been named.
"We picked those hotels, because the owners and management of the hotels were very law enforcement friendly and cooperative," adds Ostergren.
One of the reasons Muscatine was targeted in the investigation is it's close to I-80 and on several highways.
"You find out there are lots of people from lots of places who are willing and able to come to Muscatine," says Ostergren, "They will attempt to purchase sex acts from a prostitute."
The majority of the 27 people arrested are charged with prostitution. One is charged with human trafficking. Authorities are still investigating the human trafficking and this is all they could say..."The crime generally involves people who are trafficking other individuals for the purpose of engaging in prostitution," says Ostergren.
Ostergren adds some very important lessons were learned from this investigation.
"I think we learned from the investigation that people are ready, willing and able to travel to a place like Muscatine to buy or sell."
The following people were arrested and charged with prostitution: Natasha Robinson-Payne of Cedar Rapids, Darin Wernke of Bettendorf, John Schumacher Peoria, Tyler Wolfe Cedar Rapids, Thomas Hogge Sterling, Markey Glenn of Davenport, Ronald Kilby of Galesburg, Doug Necker of Bettendorf, Richard Rocha of West Liberty, IA, Michael Rees of Washingon, IA, Jeff Johnson of Rock Island, IL, Greg Dahbura of Hagerstown, MD, Jerry Sulzberger of Muscatine, Michael Raushenberger of Muscatine, Michael Sprout of Wheatland, IA, Mark Stumpenhorst of Stradford, IA, Lavonia Moody of Calumet, IL, Scott Freese of Muscatine, IA, Gabriel Guzman of Johnston, IA, William Lunt of Muscatine, Paul Dunham of Granville, OH and Jeremy Hull of Moline.
Frederick Jenkins of Phoenix, AZ has been charged with Prostitution and Possession of a Firearm by a Felon.
Robert Kennedy of Peoria is charged with Human Trafficking.
Rebecka Castaneda-Valadez of East Moline, Cassie Amans of Marshalltown, and Bret Cary of Davenport have been charged with Prostitution and Conspiracy.
The agencies participating in the investigation were: Muscatine County Sheriff's Office, Muscatine Police Department, Muscatine County Attorney's Office, Iowa Department of Public Safety-Division of Criminal Investigation, Iowa Department of Public Safety-Division of Intelligence, Johnson County Sheriff's Office, Linn County Sheriff's Office, Louisa County Sheriff's Office, Cedar County Sheriff's Office, Marion Police Department,
Tipton Police Department, Columbus Junction Police Department, Anamosa Police Department, U.S. Marshal Service, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and U.S. Department of Homeland Security-Immigrations and Customs Enforcement.
