5 Arrested In Prostitution Sting In Columbia: Police

COLUMBIA, MD — Five men were arrested Sunday night in Columbia when they allegedly responded to fake online ads for prostitution that police had posted, officials said.

The Howard County Police Department said that officers posted ads on Backpage, a website often used in the sex business.

Five men were arrested after they allegedly called the number listed in the ad, spoke with an undercover officer, asked her for a meeting location, then offered to pay her for sex once they arrived.

Police said the operation was based at a hotel in the 8800 block of Columbia 100 Parkway in Columbia.

These men were charged with four counts of prostitution-related offenses and disorderly conduct, according to officials:

• Henry Osae Ani, 36, of Beltsville; also charged with resisting arrest and possession of marijuana
• Jose Reynaldo Benitez-Cruz, 43, of Beltsville
• Ceon Anthony December, 20, of Baltimore
• Xavier Alexander Lloyd, 24, of Ellicott City

Charges against a fifth man were later dropped.

The prostitution sting is part of Howard County’s ongoing commitment to combatting prostitution and human trafficking.

The Howard County Police Department regularly posts ads on Backpage alerting potential clients and victims that officers are watching, while at the same time offering resources for support. The ads contain the following message:

LOOKING FOR A GIRL? POLICE ARE LOOKING FOR YOU.

HCPD has zero tolerance for Prostitution and Human Trafficking.

If you commit these crimes, you WILL be arrested, prosecuted and your personal information released to the media.

If you are a victim, HCPD can offer housing, treatment and other help.

If you suspect Human Trafficking, OR YOU, OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW IS A VICTIM:

• CALL 911 or 410-313-3200 to speak privately to a detective.

• Tip line: 410-290-3784 or email: hcpdcrimetips@howardcountymd.gov

File photo.

Editor's note: A fifth person was arrested in the sting. Charges were later dropped, and his name has been removed from the article.