Ellicott City Man Arrested In Prostitution Sting

COLUMBIA, MD — Authorities in Howard County say they charged five men with soliciting prostitution who responded to online ads this week. Among them was an Ellicott City resident.

Officers posted ads on Backpage, a website often used in the sex business. After several men 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 they were arrested.

The operation was based at a hotel in the 8800 block of Columbia 100 Parkway in Columbia, police reported.

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

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

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: Charges against one of the men originally arrested have been dropped, and his name has since been removed from this article.