Another vice sting involving federal and local authorities Aug. 8 swept up a Kirkland woman allegedly working as a prostitute.

Police from Lynnwood, Everett and Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested 10 females for soliciting prostitution in an effort to curb local escort services associated with the Craigslist internet site. In addition, five adult males believed to be associated with the illicit activity were arrested at an un-named Lynnwood hotel.

ICE spokeswoman Lori Dankers said her agency was involved because the investigation revealed a potential case of human trafficking. One of the five males arrested also is under investigation for possible federal charges.

The female’s ages range from 17 to 47 and are from across the Puget Sound area, including Edmonds, Everett, Kirkland, Mukilteo, Renton and Seattle.

Advertising as “escorts,” Lynn-

wood Police Commander Jim Nelson said the term is a misnomer for the type of activity the women and juveniles were conducting. Legal escort services are allowed by law for payment in exchange for “companionship.”

“They were offering sex for money,” Nelson said.

The arrests follow raids conducted by King County and local detectives on several area massage parlors in the past month, including two in Kirkland: The Red Rose Spa and Lisa Thai Massage. Lynnwood police decided to follow up a November 2007 investigation and sting on Craigslist activity after reviewing suspect activity on the Web site.