Monmouth prostitution sweep nets 19 arrests

An undercover probe of prostitution in Hazlet and Wall Township ends with charges lodged against 12 women and seven suspected pimps from seven New Jersey counties, New York, Pennsylvania and Washington, DC.

According to information from Monmouth County Sheriff Shaun Golden, the sting unfolded during the December 4 weekend at undisclosed spots in both communities. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Monmouth Prosecutor's and Sheriff's offices, and Hazlet and Wall Township police collaborated.

Twelve suspects are charged with solicitation, seven with promotion. Investigators seized $5,000 and leveled other charges, including possession of controlled dangerous substances (marijuana), possession with intent to distribute within 1,000 feet of a school zone, and possession of a weapon.

"Prostitution is not a victimless crime and we need to put a dent in illegal sex trafficking," Golden said in prepared remarks, "since it lures underage individuals into this illicit trade and leads to other criminal activities."

Acting County Prosecutor Chris Gramiccioni added that the outcome would help squelch prostitution and related criminal activities and help improve living conditions in the affected areas.

"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.

Arrested in Wall Township were: Shakera Dickerson, Freehold; Falcon Cook, Brick; Riesha Hinton, Washington, DC; Abidemi Roberts, Passaic; Jason Cruz, Woodhaven, NY; Andre Frazier, Ozone Park, NY; Sabrina Cisternino, Asbury Park; Sean Jacobs, Atlantic City.

Hazlet arrestees were: Catherine Chrysler, New York, NY; Nazleen Rodriguez, Perth Amboy; Jessica Brown, Philadelphia; Shavarra Henson, Trenton; Stephanie Green, Rochester, NY; Fanisha James, East Rochester, NY; Jurue Miller, Plainfield; Angelina Randazzo, Green Brook; Michelle Baker, Philadelphia; and Rasuhru Lewis, Jersey City.