Posted at: 07/08/2009 5:29 PM
Updated at: 07/09/2009 7:47 AM
By: Eyewitness News 4

Judge dismisses prostitution charges

Charges were dismissed against these women after a judge ruled there wasn't enough evidence against them

An Albuquerque judge threw out the case against six alleged prostitutes after an APD tactic used to bust them backfired.

APD's vice unit contacted the Denver-based sex crew through a listing on Craig's List. District Attorney Kari Brandenburg says the group came to Albuquerque because there is more money to be made here.

When it came time for the bust, APD sent an informant to a local Days Inn instead of an undercover cop. Officers say they use the tactic because pimps and hookers can spot undercover cops and because it is more difficult for officers to make the deal to pay for sex.

APD arrested the six girls along with their alleged pimp, Timothy Lee. But because the informant witnessed the deal instead of a cop, the judge ruled there wasn't enough evidence to charge them with prostitution.

But Lee isn't off the hook. He is now being charged with promoting prostitution and child abuse because he had a 3-year-old child with him.