Seven Arrested In Prostitution Sting Operation

Seven Arrested In Prostitution Sting Operation
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OCEAN CITY — The Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) and allied law enforcement agencies last week made seven arrests including four for prostitution during a sting operation into human trafficking in the resort.

Late last week, the OCPD with the assistance of the Worcester County Criminal Enforcement Team, the Worcester County State’s Attorney’s Office and Homeland Security investigators conducted a human trafficking sting operation after learning of solicitations for sexual favors in exchange for “donations” on an Internet site that allows people to post ads for escorts. Research of the site Backpage.com showed numerous ads for escort and massage services in the resort area and reviews on the website indicated sex acts would be performed by females in the advertisements.

Last Thursday, investigators observed an ad on the website titled “do you want some chocolate?” and included pictures of an African-American female in provocatively posed positions. The ad also said, “looking for a generous gentleman who doesn’t mind compensating me for my time,” and other luring phrases and included Ocean City as a location and provided a phone number.

Around 6:20 p.m. last Thursday, the OCPD detectives made contact with the suspect, later identified as Catina Register, 37, of Georgetown, Del., and made arrangements for fellatio for $180. The meeting was set up for a residence on 7th Street and when Register arrived at the appointed time and place, she was arrested for prostitution. During a search incident to arrest, a glass smoking device containing crack cocaine residue was located on Register’s person and possession charges were tacked on.

Last Friday, detectives went back to the website and discovered another ad apparently soliciting prostitution. The ad was titled “relaxing massage therapy” and included pictures of a white female later identified as Andrea Presock, 34, of Laurel, Del., in provocative poses. Again, the detectives made arrangements to meet with Presock for fellatio for $100. When Presock arrived at the appointed time and place at 7th Street, she was arrested and charged with prostitution.

The investigation continued in the same pattern last Saturday when two more female suspects were snared in the prostitution sting. OCPD detective went back to the website and found an ad titled “fun with two of Ocean City’s favorite party girls,” and “back by high demand.”

Around 8:50 p.m., OCPD detectives made arrangements via telephone to the two “party girls,” later identified as Lachaye Hoskins, 25, of Pleasantville, N.J., and Demetria Gregory, 28, of Galloway, N.J., for sexual services again at the 7th Street location. The two girls arrived at the location a short time later, and after the type of service requested and the price were discussed, each was arrested and charged with prostitution.

During the operation, three other individuals were arrested on various charges including pandering, drug possession and outstanding warrants. Baseem Taliaferro, 31, of Galloway, N.J., was arrested and charged with two counts of pandering and was released after posting a $20,000 bond. Randi Paicek, 31, of Lewes, was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia. Charles Lessner, 31, of Selbyville, was arrested on an open warrant for failing to appear in court in an unrelated case.

About The Author: Shawn Soper

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Shawn Soper has been with The Dispatch since 2000. He began as a staff writer covering various local government beats and general stories. His current positions include managing editor and sports editor. Growing up in Baltimore before moving to Ocean City full time three decades ago, Soper graduated from Loch Raven High School in 1981 and from Towson University in 1985 with degrees in mass communications with a journalism concentration and history.