NEWS

Seven arrested in undercover prostitution sting

Free Press Staff

SOUTH BURLINGTON – Police posted an ad Wednesday on a website known to be used by prostitutes. Within six hours, investigators received 40 responses by email, text and voice calls. Seven people showed up at an arranged meeting — and they were arrested, South Burlington police said.

The ad, which police said was similar to others posted on the site, was placed by an undercover officer.

"Within minutes of the ad being posted on the site, requests for services began coming in via text and phone calls," police said in a statement. "The clients, also known as 'Johns' or 'tricks,' began requesting the type of sexual acts the female was willing to provide as well as the cost for these services. The female was a law enforcement officer."

Police said the clients were told to meet at the Anchorage Inn, which agreed to participate in the sting. Seven men went to the Dorset Street hotel with intent to engage in sexual activity with a prostitute, police said.

Once an officer determined the man was the same person who had responded to the ad, the suspect was taken into custody.

Cited Wednesday to appear July 3 in Vermont Superior Court in Burlington to answer charges of prohibited acts were:

• James P. Bradley, 49, Manchester, N.H.

• Mustafa Djozo, 51, of Burlington.

• Brian D. Jenkins, 42, Jericho.

• Pierre A. Lemieux, 67, of South Burlington.

• Joseph Thankachan, 51, of Colchester.

• Jay C. Tosi, 42, of Barre.

• Colby M. Wilbur, 48, of South Burlington.