14 Arrested in Connecticut Prostitution Sting

NEW HAVEN, CT—Police arrested 14 women in the first of several planned prostitution stings in the city.

The sting was conducted in the Dwight-Kensington and Fair Haven neighborhoods Tuesday night.

“As someone who’s previously worked as Fair Haven’s District Manager, I’ve seen, first-hand, the effects of this type of crime… Quality-of- life issues and those more tangible," said Lt. Herbert Johnson. "Children needn’t see dirty condoms littering alley-ways on their way to school."

The illegal sex industry is indirectly connected to other crimes, including drug distribution, robbery and trespassing, said Officer David Hartman, police spokesman.

"Sex-workers are often raped, abused and otherwise assaulted," Hartman said. "They are also much less likely to report those crimes to police for fear their complaints will land them in more trouble."

The hope is the arrestees will take advantage of social service programs offered through the courts instead of going back to the streets only to be arrested again, Johnson said.

Police thanked residents who reported prostitution issues.

Narcotics Unit Sgt. Craig Dixon gave praise to the officers and detectives involved in the operation.

“Undercover stings aren’t easy to undertake. The detectives and officers were on-point. They represented our department well,” he said.

Hartman warned that johns — those who pay for prostitution services — will be next on the police radar.

The following people were charged:

• Monica Woodard, 27, of New Haven
• Gerrica Nichols, 25, of New Haven
• Jessica Hernandez, 39, of New Haven
• Jyreete Greene, 32, of New Haven
• Antoinette Neal, 24, of New Haven
• Brenda Martinez, 45, of New Haven
• Jade Olsen, 32, of New Haven
• Roxanne Raccio, 55, of New Haven
• Jennifer Ballester, 33, of New Haven
• Leila Rivera, 49, of New Haven
• Teresea Mercer, 50, of New Haven
• Joanna Rivera, 39, of New Haven
• Dorothy Miller, 59, of New Haven
• Kelli Spencer, 36, of New Haven