Eau Claire County hopes “john school” will deter solicitation

Attendees can have charges reduced

EAU CLAIRE, Wis. — People convicted of soliciting prostitutes in Eau Claire County will soon have the option of attending a “john school” to reduce their charges.

The intent is to deter repeat offenses by dispelling the notion that prostitution is a victimless crime.

In a recent sting, 10 men were arrested at an Eau Claire motel. Prosecutor Brian Wright wants to offer them a deal involving “john school.” It would be a daylong class where offenders would learn about the legal and physical risks to themselves and the prostitute.

Wright hopes the information will prevent offenders from soliciting again.

A Wisconsin Public Radio report says other large cities across the nation, including Madison, have “john schools.”

Wright says those who complete the program can avoid the stigma of a pandering conviction.