A Harlan woman was arrested Tuesday for prostitution.

According to Harlan City Police Chief Danny Caudill, the apprehension is the first of many department-planned arrests concerning the town's rising problem of sexual solicitation.

Charity M. Greene, 29, was arrested by an undercover police officer around noon. Caudill said the arrest came about after an extensive investigation. Prostitution is a Class B misdemeanor, punishable by up to 90 days in prison or a $250 fine.

"Other contacts were made during this investigation," Caudill said. "The investigation is continuing and we expect to make other arrests as a result of these contacts."

Caudill attributes the rise in prescription drug abuse to the growing problem of prostitution within city limits.

"A majority of it is drug-related," he said. "And it's sad to see these women feel they have to get to this point to get money for drugs."

Tuesday's arrest came about through the efforts of Harlan City Police officers and one officer from the Kentucky State Police Drug Enforcement East Section. Caudill said an undercover officer was propositioned by Greene, and "after the deal was made," the officer identified himself and made the arrest.

Even though the Harlan City Police Department has been receiving complaints about questionable activity of a sexual nature, Caudill said there's only so much his officers can do.

"These types of investigations are difficult for a small police agency," he said. "We've got 11 officers, and these women all know them. Our officers deal with the same people all the time, and they are known. We have to use somebody who is a new face."

Caudill remains committed, however, to ridding the city of the problem.

"It's in public viewing," he said. "Everybody knows what's going on. We know what's going on, but arrests are just going to take some time. We're making progress, though, and the right kind of contacts are being made."