Columbia Man Arrested In Prostitution Sting: Police

Editor's note: A name has been removed from this article because charges were expunged.

JESSUP, MD — Multiple people were arrested in a prostitution sting this week in Howard County. Police said the undercover operation led to charges against six men for solicitation of prostitution, including a Columbia man.

Detectives said they had placed ads on websites that were known for promoting prostitution, and when men called the number listed in the ad, an undercover female officer gave a meeting location upon request.

When the men arrived at the hotel in the 8100 block of Washington Boulevard in Jessup and offered money for sex acts, authorities said these men were charged with solicitation of prostitution and disorderly conduct:

• Thong Nhan, 35, of Ellicott City
• Alexander Collins, 30, of Crofton
• Nigel Khan, 33, of Beltsville
• Pierre Raymond, 27, of Beltsville
• Kenneth Ballard, 53, of Princess Anne

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

The last undercover prostitution operation was in April and resulted in 11 arrests, police said.

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

Photo courtesy of Shutterstock /Yevhen Prozhyrko.