OCEAN CITY — Further evidence of the growing opiate addiction epidemic in the area and throughout the region was on display last week when the Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) and allied law enforcement agencies arrested nine individuals on prostitution and various drug charges after raids at multiple hotels in the resort.
The OCPD and Homeland Security Investigations-Baltimore last week concluded a joint investigation into human trafficking and prostitution in the resort with assistance from the Worcester County Bureau of Investigation (WCBI), the Maryland State Police and the Berlin Police Department.
Last Wednesday and Thursday nights, nine individuals were arrested after allied law enforcement detectives conducted an operation at multiple hotels in Ocean City. Detectives also executed search warrants at area hotels resulting in the seizure of $1,850 in cash, a 2010 Chevy Camaro SS, heroin, cocaine, suboxone, marijuana, hash oil, additional prescription stimulants and drug paraphernalia.
OCPD Public Information Officer Lindsay Richard was quick to point out prostitution and human trafficking was a growing problem around the region and not unique to Ocean City and Worcester County.
“Human trafficking and prostitution is a growing regional issue stemming from opiate addiction,” she said.
Among those arrested during the raids last week was Sonja Feiser, 28, of Funkstown, Md., who was charged with prostitution-general, CDS possession and an outstanding warrant from Frederick County. She was transferred to the Worcester County Jail on a $7,500 bond. Kendall Wysinger, 39, of Severn, Md., was charged with pandering and pandering for compensation, prostitution, and CDS possession with intent to distribute and was transferred to the Worcester County Jail on a $50,000 bond.
John Ternahan, 37, of Frankford, Del., was charged with pandering and pandering for compensation and prostitution-general. He was released after posting a $10,000 bond. George Dunn, Jr., 24, of Georgetown, Del., was charged with prostitution, pandering for compensation and CDS possession and was transferred to the Worcester County Jail on a $25,000 bond.
Lillyanne Horner, 20, of Milton, Del.; Brooke Farley, 34, of Ocean City; Hailey McKee, 24, of Lewes; and Tera Benhaim, 27, of Salisbury, were all charged with prostitution-general and were each released on personal recognizance. Taylor Lawson, 21, of Ellendale, Del., was charged with CDS possession- not marijuana, and was released on personal recognizance.
