Barrow County is an area containing approximately 86,000 residents, and is located about 50 miles northeast of Atlanta, Georgia. The county contains the city of Winder, about 20 miles west of Athens, GA). Prostitution activity has been well-documented within the county, and the problems and ancillary crimes it generates results in complaints to law enforcement  In November, 2012, the Barrow County Crime Task Force conducted a prostitution sting in what they called the second crackdown that year on such activity in the downtown Winder area, according to reports filed with the Barrow County Sheriff’s Office. The investigation resulted in the arrests of five people, all from outside Barrow County. The previous sting occurred in May, 2012, and six people were arrested, including a police officer from Gwinnett County, who was charged with pandering. The November sting occurred at a motel on Stafford Street. Two men and three women were arrested. Officers with the Task Force set up the undercover operation where they contacted people using or advertising on backpage.com.

Consumer level demand provides the revenue stream for all prostitution and sex trafficking, and has therefore been targeted by local law enforcement agencies as a strategy for prevention and response. For example, in January, 2013, the Barrow County Sheriff’s Office conducted a reverse sting in an undisclosed area of the county that resulted in the arrest of three male sex buyers.  The names, ages, and towns of residence of those arrested were released to the public.