The multi-agency operation was carried out on the weekend of Dec. 4 at two locations in Wall and Hazlet, according to an announcement from Sheriff Shaun Golden.
The multi-agency operation was carried out on the weekend of Dec. 4 at two locations in Wall and Hazlet, authorities said. (File photo).FREEHOLD -- Authorities charged 19 people in connection with a prostitution sting in Monmouth County
The multi-agency operation was carried out on the weekend of Dec. 4 at two locations in Wall and Hazlet, according to an announcement from Sheriff Shaun Golden. Authorities did not say specifically where the arrests occurred.
The sting netted the arrests of individuals who live across New Jersey and as far away as Rochester, N.Y., Golden said.
Of the 19 people, 12 women were charged with solicitation of prostitution; seven were charged with promotion of prostitution. Some were also charged with various drug and weapons offenses.
The sting was carried out by the Monmouth County Sheriff's Office in conjunction with the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office, the F.B.I., Hazlet Police Department and the Wall Township Police Department.
"Prostitution is not a victimless crime and we need to put a dent in illegal sex trafficking since it lures underage individuals into this illicit trade and leads to other criminal activities," Golden said. "I commend all involved for their diligent work which yielded positive results and will help keep our communities safer."
Acting Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher Gramiccioni said operations like this help deter prostitution activity from happening in the future.
"We will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to address the solicitation and promotion of prostitution in an effort to improve the quality of life for everyone in Monmouth County and to decrease the risk of criminal activity to our neighborhoods," Gramiccioni said.
The following people were arrested in Wall Township and charged with solicitation of prostitution:
Shakera Dickerson, Freehold
Falcon Cook, Brick
Riesha Hinton, Washington, D.C.
Abidemi Roberts, Passaic, also charged with possession of a weapon
Andre Frazier, Ozone Park, N.Y.
Sabrina Cisternino, Asbury Park, also charged with possession of drugs
Jason Cruz, of Woodhaven, N.Y., and Sean Jacobs, of Atlantic City, were each charged with promoting prostitution. Jacobs was also charged with possession of marijuana.
The following people were arrested in Hazlet and charged with solicitation of prostitution:
Catherine Chrysler, New York, N.Y.
Nazleen Rodriguez, Perth Amboy
Jessica Brown, Philadelphia
Shavarra Henson, Trenton
Stephanie Green, Rochester, N.Y.
Fanisha James, East Rochester, N.Y.
Angelina Randazzo, Green Brook, also charged with possession of drugs, possession of drugs with the intent to distribute and possession of drugs within a school zone
Charged with promoting prostitution was Carl Seldon and Michelle Baker, both of Philadelphia; Rasuhru Lewis, of Jersey City; and Jurue Miller, of Plainfield, who was also charged with possession of drugs, possession of drugs with the intent to distribute and possession of drugs within a school zone.
Authorities did not release photos of the individuals charged.
Alex Napoliello may be reached at anapoliello@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @alexnapoNJ. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
