The Salem Police Department Street Crimes Unit conducted a prostitution sting operation on December 4, arresting fifteen individuals on numerous charges related to prostitution activities. The operation was held during the afternoon and evening hours and utilized undercover male and female police officers and postings on internet sites. The suspects, fourteen “Johns” and one prostitute, were all responding to internet postings by officers and made contact with the undercover officers by various means. Once the suspects made contact with the officers and agreed to participate in sexual acts for money, they were taken into custody when they went to an undisclosed location with the expectation of completing the act. The following were arrested for Patronizing a Prostitute: Elias N Mendoza-Garcia, 27 years old, Salem; Jason A Scoggins, 41 years old, Keizer; Rodney P Gretzon, 42 years old, Salem; Marcelo Cruz-Santiago, 33 years old, Salem; Raul Cisneroz-Froylan, 43 years old, Washougal, WA; Alejandro Lopez-Rodriguez, 33 years old, Salem; Julian Hernandez-Herrera, 43 years old, Salem; Robert DeWayne Alber, 63 years old, Salem; Jesus E Cruz-Arreguin, 30 years old, Gervais; Manual Cardenas-Murillo, 32 years old, Keizer; Marcos M De Jesus-Ramirez, 37 years old, Salem; Margarito Ramirez-De Jesus, 38 years old, Salem; Rigoberto Garcia-Rodriguez, 38 years old, Transient. Arrested on the charge of Prostitution: Nachey Mabel Bourette, 29 years old, Beaverton. Prostitution is becoming more frequent in our communities. It exploits a vulnerable part of our society and is often linked to human trafficking and various forms of abuse and manipulation. Women, juveniles and undocumented individuals are being victimized by human traffickers for forced labor as well as for sexual exploitation. Victims of human trafficking often feel as though they have no alternative but to obey those who take advantage of them. Anyone who has information about human trafficking is urged to contact your local law enforcement agency. Victims of human trafficking can also contact their local Women’s Crisis Center for assistance with safety and shelter. The Center for Hope and Safety can be reached at their 24-hour crisis line at 503-399-7722. Prostitution related crimes often utilize the Internet to facilitate activities. Parents should watch for unfamiliar Internet site names on their computer browser histories and further investigate those sites as a way to monitor the computer activities of their children.
