Sarasota Prostitution Investigation Results in 11 Arrests

The Sarasota Police Department conducted a series of undercover prostitution investigations on January 15, a police press release said .  The investigations involved “Johns”, the individuals that offer money in exchange for sexual acts.  The investigations, the police said, resulted in Solicitation for Prostitution charges against 12 individuals, 11 were arrested, 1 suspect fled in a vehicle in order to elude officers and prevent his arrest.

According to the Sarasota Police Department, officers identified that subject and PCA has been written for his arrest, consisting of 2 Felony driving charges and 1 Misdemeanor charge.  

Officers from the Sarasota Police Department’s street crimes unit, narcotics unit, Det. Woods from the criminal investigations division, and from the uniform services division; Officer Buck and Officer Coppinger conducted a series of undercover “John” investigations in the North and Central districts of the city, the release said. The locations for these operations consisted of 42^nd St and N. Tamiami Trail and the 600 block of N. Washington Blvd.  

Officers arrested 11 people during the operation and had a total of 16 criminal charges.  Officers seized 10 vehicles under city code 33-271.  The vehicle owners face a $500 penalty, plus towing and storage fees. 

The following people were arrested during the operation:

Arrests at 42^nd Street & N. Tamiami Trail

• Francisco Ramirez, 42, Solicitation for Prostitution
• Vincent Redding, 56, Solicitation for Prostitution
• Steven Hooper, 57, Solicitation for Prostitution
• Thomas Jacques, 69, Solicitation for Prostitution
• Steven Chorba, 53, Solicitation for Prostitution
• Probable Cause Affidavit completed for a 21-year old suspect that fled the scene, charges will include Solicitation for Prostitution, Fleeing to Elude & Driving While License Suspended – Habitual Offender

Arrests 600 block of N. Washington Blvd

• Eliseo Ortiz, 48, Solicitation for Prostitution & No Valid DL
• Harold Wilen, 65, Solicitation for Prostitution
• David Mendoza, 27, Solicitation for Prostitution
• Donald Powell, 48, Solicitation for Prostitution & Poss. Of Drug Para.
• Pete Cristiani, 48, Solicitation for Prostitution
• Alfonzo Zozaya-Ramirez, 60, Solicitation for Prostitution & No Valid DL