BURLINGTON, Mass. (MyFoxBoston.com) – The Burlington Police Department arrested nine men Friday during a prostitution sweep.
Police Chief Michael Kent said the sweeps were announced in October to crack down on prostitution. They used what is called a reverse sting to target potential customers and human traffickers.
The Burlington area is popular for prostitution, according to police, because there are many hotels and several major highways pass through.
Eight of the men were charged with engaging in sexual conduct for a fee.
- Emad Aljahdii (age 34, of Burlington)
- Aaron Bath (age 43, of Billerica)
- Richard Homsi (age 50, of Waltham)
- Auric Mak (age 35, of Lowell)
- Grishkumar Patel (age 53, of Woburn)
- Anthony Petruno (age 29, of Acton)
- Lawrence Rounds (age 49, of Reading)
- Mauro Santiago (age 36, of Dracut)
Homsi faced an additional charge of indecent assault and battery after allegedly groping the undercover officer.
A ninth man was charged with trafficking of a person for sexual servitude.
- Shakwaan Simpkins (age 24, of Brockton)
"The arrest of Mr. Simpkins puts an exclamation mark on this operation, and it shows exactly why we get out there regularly in an attempt to interdict sex crimes in our community," Chief Kent said.
Detective James Tigges said they will continue to do stings like this “until nobody shows up to be arrested."