Police continue to utilize reverse prostitution operations

NEWS RELEASE
HOWARD COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF POLICE
OFFICE OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS
For Release: Oct. 5, 2009
Contact: Sherry Llewellyn
410-313-2236

Police continue to utilize reverse prostitution operations

Howard County police are continuing to utilize reverse prostitution operations with success. The most recent undercover effort resulted in 19 men being charged with solicitation of prostitution in Laurel.

Detectives and female officers worked to identify suspects soliciting prostitutes along U.S. 1 in Laurel Oct. 2. Female officers in plain clothes worked undercover in areas targeted by citizen complaints to determine whether they would be approached and offered money for sex. Suspects who approached the female officers and made such offers were arrested.

The following suspects were arrested and charged with solicitation of prostitution:
-Patrick Lloyd Nelson, 54, of Washington D.C.
-Stefan Stan, 31, of Hyattsville, Md.
-Roman Dan Gruia, 27, of Tacoma, Md.
-Riguelme De Jesus Rios-Umana, 30, of Laurel, Md.
-Jeffery Allen Sopher , 37, of Marbury, Md.
-Keith Thomas Wrightson, 32, of Worchester, Mass.
-Christopher Edward Capuano, 48, of Centerville, Md.
-Troy Danley, 46, of Conyes, Ga.
-Michael Allen Clark, 46, of Elkridge, Md.
-Michael Edward Marshall, 55, of Laurel, Md.
-Jose Noe Herrera, 26, of Silver Spring, Md.
-Jorge Perez Monteros, 31, of College Park, Md. (Also charged for being in possession of false identification.)
-Jose Luis Muniz-Ramirez, 30, of Manassas, Va.
-Thomas Edward Kindrock, 56, of Laurel, Md.
-Sammie Wactor Jr., 36, of Washington D.C.
-Walter Ricardo Garcia, 37, of Germantown, Md.
-Fransisco Garcia Monteino, 45, of Silver Spring, Md.
-James Monroe Gunther, 33, of Laurel, Md.
-Timothy Winni Otugha, 29, of Laurel, Md.

Police will continue to address prostitution and related criminal activity in the county. Citizens are encouraged to call 410-313-3200 with tips or information. Callers may remain anonymous.