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Woman arrested on 3rd prostitution charge By Chris Strunk Last Updated: October 27, 2016 It has happened again. Sharon Latimer, who owns Planet Earth Natural Healing Center near Main and Birch in Valley Center, is facing another charge of prostitution after a third incident last week, the second in a month. Latimer, 59, was in jail and awaiting first appearance this week in Valley Center Municipal Court. She also was cited for operating a massage business without a city license. Both are misdemeanors. "We had reason to suspect she was still operating," said Valley Center Police Chief Mark Hephner. On Oct. 21, police requested assistance from an outside police department to conduct an undercover operation at Planet Earth. Hephner said Latimer agreed to exchange a sex act for money. Her shop, which is attached to her residence, also was still set up as a massage business, Hephner said. Latimer was arrested and booked into the Sedgwick County Jail on $5,000 bond. "Our goal is to stop the activity," Hepher said. "What that's going to take, I'm not sure. But we'll continue to do enforcement if we need to." Latimer is already on probation after a 2015 prostitution conviction. Her probation was also linked to a 2013 DUI conviction. After Latimer's conviction, the Valley Center City Council approved an ordinance requiring massage businesses to be licensed through the city. Latimer's arrest and conviction disqualified her from being able to obtain such a license. On Sept. 21, 2016, police received a complaint that Latimer was continuing to operate her business. That same day, police set up an undercover investigation to determine whether the allegations were true. Latimer allegedly agreed to perform a sex act for money. Latimer is charged under a section of the municipal code that includes agreeing to provide "manual or other contact stimulation" for money or other considerations. Latimer operated Planet Earth Natural Healing Center for more than 12 years. |
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