Police Net 8 During Prostitution Sting

MANCHESTER, NH — Six alleged johns and two alleged prostitutes were arrested in Manchester yesterday morning as part of prostitution sting, according to police. “Operation Breakfast Club,” the department’s third sting since June, hit the streets on the morning of Sept. 18, 2017, in an effort to address complaints in the area of Enright Park, according to Lt. Brian O’Keefe of the Manchester Police Department. Arrested on a single count of prostitution each were Edwin Arroyo Batista, 43, pictured upper left, of Manchester; Andre Benson, 49, pictured upper center, of Manchester; Patience Stone, 23, of Manchester; Andres Santos Ventura, 42, pictured far right, of Manchester; Paul Gagnon, 74, pictured upper right, of Franklin; Ashley Berube, 19, pictured upper left, of Manchester; and Gary Gemmott, 59, pictured far left, of Franklin. Edward Marsi, 37, pictured middle right, of Danville, was arrested for prostitution and indecent exposure.

Editor’s Note: This post was derived from information supplied by the Manchester Police Department. It does not indicate a conviction. This link explains the name removal request process for NH Patch police reports.

At around 8 a.m., a plainclothes female officer was walking in the area of Lincoln Street when Batista allegedly approached her and offered to exchange money for sexual favors. He was then arrested. (For more information on this and other neighborhood stories, subscribe to Bedford NH Patch to receive daily newsletters and breaking news alerts.)

Benson, according to O’Keefe, allegedly drove up to the woman a few minutes later in an SUV and allegedly requested the same thing and was arrested.

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At around 8:45 a.m., a detective reported saw a man in an SUV engaging in a conversation with a woman. The detective reportedly followed the vehicle to Weston Tower after the woman reportedly entered the truck. The detective approached the vehicle, allegedly saw “lewd behavior,” and arrested Marsi and Stone.

Ventura was arrested at around 9:40 a.m. after he allegedly solicited sexual favors for money on Central Street.

Gagnon was arrested at 10:30 a.m. at Beech and Manchester streets after allegedly soliciting an undercover officer.

At around 11:30 a.m., a detective on Manchester Street near Maple Street spotted Berube and pulled over to her. She allegedly got in his unmarked car, agreed to exchange money for sexual favors, and was then arrested.

Gemmott, according to O’Keefe, was arrested around 3 p.m. on Manchester Street near Beech and Maple streets after he allegedly propositioned her.

All involved were released on personal recognizance bail and have court dates next month.