2 Arrested In Transsexual Prostitution Sting In Ferndale
DETROIT (WWJ) - Arraignments are scheduled Wednesday for two Detroit men arrested in a transsexual prostitution sting in Ferndale.
Police say 19-year-old Artel Martin and 28-year-old William Patterson were arrested Tuesday night at the Motorama Motel on 8 Mile and Woodward.
Lieutenant William Wilson said the sting was set up after officers stopped a man suspected of being involved in illegal activity at the motel.
"The officer stopped this person and talked to them, and the individual told them that they were in fact at the Motorama Motel, and they had responded to an ad they saw online for sexual services from a transvestite type of organization," said Wilson.
That ad was on Backpage.com, the same online service linked to the deaths of three women who were killed and their bodies later dumped in Detroit.
An undercover officer called the telephone number advertised and arranged for him and another officer to meet a prostitute for services. The officers went to the motel and met with Martin and Patterson, who were arrested for prostitution. Officers also found marijuana in the room.
Police say Martin and Patterson both had several warrants for their arrest, although they wouldn't elaborate further.
"Both of them, along the lines of larceny, assault and battery, there was a probation violation warrant out for one of the individuals for one of his assault convictions," said Wilson.
It is unclear what charges they will face.
Stay with CBSDetroit.com and WWJ Newsradio 950 for the latest.
