Five Suspects Arrested for Prostitution During Augusta Masters Golf Tournament
An undercover operation in South Carolina landed five suspects in jail on prostitution charges as Augusta gears up for its internationally famous the Masters Golf Tournament.
The Richmond County Sheriff’s Department arrested Juanita Patrice Croft, 34, of Graniteville; Ciera Alexis Capell, 26, of Aiken; and Shatika Monique Nicholson, 27, of Forest Park, Ga.; on disorderly conduct prostitution charges.
Russell Donald Benjamin, 45, of North Augusta, and Sarawin Nath Intakanok, 36, of Lilburn, Ga., were also arrested in the prostitution sting, and charged with criminal attempt child molestation.
The undercover prostitution investigation was a joint operation between the Richmond Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
According to police reports, prostitution has grown around national sporting events such as the Masters, and the Super Bowl. Federal authorities said that 25 people were arrested in Texas after law enforcement agencies busted a prostitution ring that grew up around the NCAA.
“People come to these events to have a good time,” Special Agent Stephen Emmett said. “And some people’s definition of a good time differs from what the law’s idea of a good time is.”
“We’ve seen that there’s a spike in these types of activities during these special events and we’re trying to work smarter and a heightened law enforcement presence is a part of that,” Special Agent Emmett added.
Criminal Solicitation and Prostitution in South Carolina
S.C. Code 16-15-110 outlines several “Offenses Against Morality and Decency,” including engaging in prostitution or criminal solicitation. First offenses for criminal solicitation or prostitution include a fine of $200 and/or up to 30 days in jail. However, further offenses come with more stringent punishment. The second offense carries a fine of up to $1,000 and/or a prison sentence of up to 6 months, and the third offense (and subsequent offenses) carry a fine of $3,000 and/or imprisonment for up to a year.
Several counts of criminal solicitation or prostitution can increase jail time and fines considerably.
Prostitution and solicitation charges in South Carolina can be complicated and involve an array of legal issues. In some cases, a man may offer a woman a ride, only to find out when the police arrive that she is a prostitute. We can help with your prostitution entrapment defense. Entrapment means that the defendant was not likely to commit prostitution or solicitation, but the conduct or express request of the undercover officer engaged the person in the act.
When a police officer arrests someone for loitering or soliciting sexual services for the purpose of committing prostitution, an officer looks at many key factors to prove someone was intending to commit a criminal act:
- Possession of condoms
- Possession of a large amount of cash/types of bills
- Possession of cell phones/pagers
- Possession of a ‘client list’
- Location, dress, suspicious activity
While these charges are usually misdemeanors, unless you have prior convictions, in which case you may be facing a felony charge. Prostitution and solicitation charges involve delicate matters that are best handled by an attorney. Whether you are innocent or guilty of prostitution or solicitation, your personal life is at stake and you do not want your good name to be damaged with a bad reputation.
The Strom Law Firm Can Help With Criminal Solicitation and Prostitution Charges
The law surrounding criminal sexual conduct, including criminal solicitation and prostitution, is complex, and even rumors of charges can damage your reputation, career, and family life. Let us put our experience to work for you. We offer free, confidential consultations so you can discuss the facts of your case with impunity. Contact us today. 803.252.4800.
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