Burlington Police Charge Three In Prostitution Sting

Editor's note: one name was removed from this article as the case was dismissed.

BURLINGTON, MA — Three people face prostitution charges after allegedly getting caught in a sting conducted by the Burlington Police Department.

(removed); Mitalkumar Patel, 37, of Waltham; and Jonathan Sterritt, 38, of Newton were recently arrested by police on multiple charges related to the sting, police said.

In the announcement of the arrests, police say an officer conducted the sting by posting ads on a website that is known for being a haven for classified ads offering sex for a fee.

"Similar to operations conducted in years past, these types of operations are done in an effort to drive human trafficking and sex crimes away from Burlington, a hub of commerce and hotels and a crossroads of several major highways in Massachusetts," Police Chief Michael Kent said in a release.

Over the past five years, Burlington police have arrested 41 people in these types of operations.

Patel and Sterritt also face charges for allegedly groping a female officer involved in the sting operation.

Below are the charges:

Mitalkumar Patel, 37, of Waltham

• Sexual conduct for a fee
• Indecent assault and battery on a person over 14 years old

Jonathan Sterritt, 38, of Newton

• Two counts of indecent assault and battery on a person over 14 years old

All three suspects were arraigned this week in Woburn District Court.

Image via Burlington Police Department