West Des Moines Woman Charged in Ankeny Prostitution Sting

A West Des Moines woman was among those arrested by Ankeny police this week in a prostitution sting.

On Wednesday, Jan. 30, police conducted the undercover sting in cooperation with an Ankeny hotel, according to a media release from the city of Ankeny. The sting was done in an effort to curb potential prostitution in the city, authorities said.

Those arrested for their alleged involvement and charged with prostitution include:

• Thomas W. Watson, 39, Ankeny
• Antonio Gonzalez Balderamos, Pleasant Hill
• Kimberley Ann Walker, 33, West Des Moines
• William Lee Woodruff, 49, Ames
• Duane Boswell, 62, Urbandale
• Kathleen Sherbondy, 58, Indianola

Woodruff previously was arrested for prostitution in a similar sting in October 2012 and recently pleaded guilty to the earlier charge, the release said.

The department used undercover officers in targeting both prostitutes and their customers, Ankeny Police Chief Gary Mikulec said in the release.

"We had great cooperation from several hotels willing to partner with us despite that none of these hotels had reported prostitution problems," he said.

Mikulec also said the police department intends to continue prostitution sting operations sporadically throughout the year with the intention of protecting local businesses and keeping a vigilant eye on human trafficking possibilities.

"Our message is clear," Mikulec said. "Do not set up or engage in illegal activity in the City of Ankeny."