Police Arrest 8 In Burlington Prostitution Sting
BURLINGTON (CBS) -- Police arrested seven men and one woman during a prostitution sweep in Burlington on Friday.
The reverse stings targeted "johns" in what police said was an effort to keep prostitution out of Burlington. The men responded to ads posted by a female police officer, authorities said.
"In conducting these operations, the Burlington Police Department is seeking to send a loud, clear message to those who want to engage in prostitution and would bring women here for the same purpose: Do not bring your business to Burlington," Police Chief Michael Kent said. "There is no room for this kind of elicit activity in our community."
The following men were charged with sexual conduct for a fee:
Ronald Amoling, 51, of Gardner
Mohsen Behnam, 33, of Worcester
Nicholas Bittner, 44, of Woburn
Brendan McElhiney, 28, of Lunenberg
Daniel Morneault, 23, of Tewksbury
Rajesh Patel, 46, of Burlington
Thomas Shea, 51, of Uxbridge
Detectives also contacted a woman advertising sex from another Burlington hotel and arrested her after making an agreement to purchase sex. Dimitria Chakalis-Haley, 56, of Stoneham, was also charged with sexual conduct for a fee.
All eight will be arraigned Monday in Woburn District Court.
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