2 Arrested In Undercover Prostitution Sting In Banksville
BANKSVILLE (KDKA)- Police have arrested two women after a prostitution sting at a Motel 6 in Banksville.
The undercover operation began after complaints about prostitution at the Motel 6 and Days Inn on Banksville Road.
Police obtained an advertisement from a website. It was called "Sunshine Back Again, Don't Miss Out." The ad displayed multiple pictures of unknown women in lingerie and tells clients to call a number listed to schedule an appointment.
Officers called the number and spoke to a Lisa Taylor. She offered the undercover officer a one-hour appointment for $200. She asked if the caller was a police officer, which he denied.
The officer was instructed to drive to the Days Inn on Banksville Road. He was told to call the listed number again once he arrived. Taylor answered the phone and instructed him to come to the Motel 6 on Banksville Road.
Once at the Motel 6, contact was made again with Taylor, who told the officer to come to room 309. Taylor invited the officer inside the room and asked again if he was a police officer. She then requested $200 for the appointment. The officer believed she was going to perform oral sex on him and signaled for other officers to enter the room.
They knocked on the door, and Taylor said it was just a girlfriend coming to join. Police officers entered the room and placed Taylor under arrest.
A few minutes later, the door next door opened and a second alleged prostitute entered the room. Sherry Lynn Lewis was detained by a detective. She invited officers to come with her so she could provide her identification. Police found a syringe and heroin in her purse. She was placed under arrest.
One neighbor said she's not surprised about the arrests.
"[They] hang out outside like a bunch of big w****s and drug addicts and I'm sick of it. I walk my grandkids down this street to go for milk and it makes me sick to my stomach that no one, I mean who is running this place that they're getting away with this?" she said.
The Motel 6 declined to comment about Taylor and Lewis' arrests.
Joe Davision, General Manager of the Days Inn said,
"I'm shocked to see the hotel name linked to the police report because nothing happened. I've always been upfront with the police and report suspicious activities to them regarding prostitution," Days Inn General Manager Joe Davision said.
Both Taylor and Lewis were taken to the Allegheny County Jail and booked on several charges.
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