by Alexandria, Virginia – Police in Old Town Alexandria say a woman was arrested after a disturbing case involving a man found dead in his car on July 5 led investigators to uncover an alleged “pop-up brothel” operating out of an Airbnb rental. The case has raised concerns about short-term rental misuse and public safety.
Discovery of a Man’s Death
The incident began when officers responded to the 500 block of North West Street in Old Town Alexandria, where neighbors reported heavy police presence. A man was discovered deceased inside his car, prompting detectives to review his phone for possible leads.
Court records show that on July 4, the man exchanged messages with someone using the alias “Rosa Maria.” One text read, “I want to please you and get you out of your routine, available from 8AM to 10PM.” The detective noted this type of communication resembled messages commonly tied to sex work arrangements.
Another message read “15 min 120,” which police explained is a typical format for pricing sex acts: $120 for 15 minutes.
Tracing the Alias “Rosa Maria”
Investigators used the man’s GPS mapping app, which remained active, to identify a nearby location — just a block from where his body was found. Following further review, detectives traced Rosa Maria’s phone number to sex worker advertisements and car registration information.
According to the warrant, a detective later observed the woman leaving an Airbnb property tied to the mapping data. This discovery confirmed suspicions that the short-term rental was being used as a temporary brothel.
Police Action and Arrest
Based on the findings, Alexandria Police executed a search warrant and arrested the woman for “Running a Bawdy House,” a crime under Virginia law that criminalizes operating or maintaining a property for prostitution.
Airbnb confirmed its cooperation with law enforcement, issuing a statement:
“The reported criminal activity has no place on Airbnb and the guest who booked this listing has been removed from the platform. Issues like this are rare, and we stand ready to support the Alexandria Police Department with their investigation.”
The woman, identified in court only by her alias, has not yet had her true identity released. Meanwhile, the cause of death of the man found in his vehicle has not been made public. Police have classified the matter as an active investigation.
Growing Problem of Pop-Up Brothels in Rentals
This case highlights a larger issue faced by communities nationwide: the use of short-term rentals for illegal activity. While hotels have implemented stricter anti-trafficking measures, including employee training and technology monitoring, short-term rentals are increasingly being exploited due to their privacy and limited oversight.
Law enforcement in several U.S. cities has reported similar incidents of “pop-up brothels,” where individuals rent properties for short periods to conduct illicit operations. The Airbnb Community Guidelines clearly prohibit such activities, but enforcement often relies on police intervention.
Community Concerns and Ongoing Investigation
Residents of Old Town expressed shock at the allegations, noting that their quiet neighborhood saw an unusual surge of police activity on the day of the arrest. Many voiced concerns about how easily short-term rentals can be exploited without host awareness.
For now, Alexandria Police continue to investigate both the circumstances of the man’s death and the full scope of the alleged illegal operation. Officials say more information, including the suspect’s real identity, may be released in the coming weeks.
What do you think about the rise of pop-up brothels in short-term rentals? Share your thoughts in the comments on ibwhsmag.com.
