11 Charged In Prostitution Sting In Columbia

COLUMBIA, MD -- Police have charged nearly a dozen men with soliciting prostitution as the result of a sting conducted this week at a hotel in Columbia. The arrests came after undercover officers posted an ad on Backpage, a website often used in the sex business.

Men who called the number listed in the ad were connected to an undercover female officer who provided a meeting location.

Police said the men were arrested after they arrived at the hotel in the 5400 block of Twin Knolls Road in Columbia and offered money for sex.

The following were charged with soliciting prostitution and disorderly conduct:

• Nebiyu Kebede Elias, 22, of Baltimore
• Donald Christopher Fletcher, 47, of Pasadena
• David Brian Goldberg, 33, of Baltimore
• D’Andre Jamal Harrison, 29, of Suitland
• David Brian Keller, 26, of Edgewater
• Linwood Curtis Nicolas, 43, of Gwynn Oak
• Darren Saunders, 22, of Brooklyn, N.Y.
• Sterling Simmons, 38, of Middle River
• Jamie Umanzor, 35, of Beltsville
• Jacob Daniel Wilcher, 27, of Bowie
• Bryan Allan Wright, 24, of Annapolis

This operation is part of Howard County's ongoing effort to combat human trafficking.

The Howard County Police Department regularly posts ads on Backpage alerting potential clients and victims that officers are watching and offering resources for support.

SEE ALSO: Backpage.com Shut Down As Feds Raid Founder's Home

Anyone who thinks that they are or know someone who is a victim is asked to call 911 or 410-313-3200 to speak with a detective. People may also submit tips by calling the tip line at 410-290-3784 or emailing hcpdcrimetips@howardcountymd.gov.

Patch file photo.