A Howard County police reverse prostitution operation resulted in the arrest of six men for soliciting prostitution and other related charges.
Officers arrested the men this week at a hotel in the 8000 block of Washington Boulevard in Jessup.
As part of the operation, detectives placed a fake ad on the website Backpage, a site known to detectives to be used for prostitution. Men who called the number in the ad spoke with undercover female officers, who provided a meeting location upon the caller's request. When the men arrived, they were arrested and charged with solicitation of prostitution and disorderly conduct. The following men have been charged:
- Davon Aaron Distance, 28, of Baltimore
- Samuel Alan Edwards, 20, of Severn
- Jeffrey Brian Bellamy, 44, of Abington
- Jerone Harper, 23, of Laurel
- Richard Jonathan Cookson, 47, of Elkridge
- Chandima Kavisekaramalawa, 33, of Columbia
Howard County police say this arrest is part of an ongoing effort to combat prostitution, human trafficking and related offenses. Detectives say they will continue monitoring internet sites related to prostitution, human trafficking, pimping and pandering.
If you are a victim, or know someone who is, Howard County Police can help with resources for housing, treatment assistance, transportation and other issues. Call 911 or email HCPDcrimetips@howardcountymd.gov with any information.
