The King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office said more than 400 felony cases have been filed since 2024, including a new human trafficking case involving a minor.
SEATTLE — The King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office said Wednesday it has filed more than 400 felony cases since 2024 related to criminal activity along Seattle’s Aurora Avenue. The numbers were released after growing pressure from residents to address issues connected to illegal sex work in the area.
“Neighbors are right, something has to be done. We feel for them,” said spokesperson Casey McNerthney. “We wanted to show people, not only are [crimes] prosecuted, but we hear you. This isn’t enough.”
The 427 felony cases include 99 assaults, 44 burglaries, 67 organized retail theft cases and 30 counts of unlawful gun possession.
McNerthney admits many of the cases can be traced back to longstanding prostitution activity.
On Tuesday, a Bellevue man was charged with allegedly trafficking a 14-year-old girl along Aurora Avenue, a corridor she referred to as “the blade.”
“Unfortunately we see that more often than people realize. The demand for buying children for sex is really driving this problem,” said McNerthney. “There’s this idea that sex work is chosen and safe. No one looks at what’s happening to a 14-year-old on Aurora and says, ‘That’s safe.'”
The suspect is scheduled to be arraigned June 4.
Residents who live along the Aurora corridor have long complained of drugs, violence and other activity related to prostitution.
In recent weeks, people installed homemade barriers on side streets after a string of drive-by shootings.
The city removed the blockades May 29 and installed concrete barriers as “traffic calming” measures.
“I think it’s great. Having [them] is going to stop people from turning the corner and flying up the street. I think it’s going to help deter a lot of the people that use the street after gun violence, shooting up and down the street,” said Daniel Matedne after the barricades were installed. “I live within walking distance, and I walk my dog three times a day. I see a lot of crazy stuff we shouldn’t see.”
Mayor Katie Wilson’s office said city agencies are discussing more permanent options.
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