38 Busted In NJ In 2 Big Prostitution Sweeps

Thirty-eight people from across New Jersey were arrested in two recent prostitution sweeps, according to authorities.

In Newark, 32 prostitution arrests were made since the mid-June inception of an operation conducted by the Vice Task Force, according to Public Safety Director Anthony F. Ambrose.

In Passaic County, 6 women were arrested and charged with engaging in prostitution Friday after an investigation, Sheriff Richard Berdnik announced.

Detectives posed as potential clients of the Clifton Therapy Center, a massage parlor, at the Ramada Inn hotel in Wayne on Route 46 East and the Howard Johnson motel on Route 3 West in Clifton.

The following women were arrested at the Ramada Inn. They were charged with engaging in prostitution:

• Jennifer A. Polanco-Lapaix, 29, of the Ramada Inn at 33 Route 46, Wayne
• Elizabeth D. Guzman-Laurer, 38, of Bronx, New York
• Ana M. Allen a.k.a. Anne Myriam Torres, 42, of Morris Township
• Mirian Castano, 26, was arrested at the Howard Johnson in Clifton, her residence, for engaging in prostitution and resisting arrest, Berdnik said.

Two women were arrested at the Clifton Therapy Center. They were charged with promoting prostitution and maintaining a nuisance:

• Kun Reynolds, 55, of Flushing, New York; she was also charged with engaging in prostitution
• Cui Zhengi, a.k.a. Zhen Zicui, 58, of Flushing, New York

"I want to commend the detectives involved in this investigation and these arrests," Berdnik said.

The Newark operation was conducted in response to complaints led by Newark Council Member at-Large Luis Quintana. An investigation was initiated in the areas of Miller Street, Wright Street, Emmet Street and Astor Street, from McCarter Highway to Frelinghuysen Avenue.

On June 12th, 16th, 17th and 18th, members of the Vice Task Force made a total of 15 arrests. Five individuals were arrested on June 28th and charged with prostitution and soliciting prostitution, police said.

These individuals are: Siyaha Bryant, 28, of Jersey City; Kalliope M. Stampolis, of Brick; and Tyazih Whitehead, 23, Remones McDaniels, 30, and Freddrick Burns, 29, all of Newark.

Twelve additional individuals have been arrested for prostitution to date.

“I commend the members of the Vice Task Force for directly addressing the issues that tarnish our neighborhoods,” Ambrose said. “These detectives work tirelessly, night and day, to improve the quality of life in our communities.”

Photos: Siyaha Bryant, Kalliope Stampolis, Tyaziah Whitehead, Remones McDaniels, Freddrick Burns, Jennifer A. Polanco-Lapaix, Elizabeth D. Guzman-Laurer, Ana M. Allen a.k.a. Anne Myriam Torres, Mirian Castano, Kun Reynolds, and Cui Zhengi (Newark Police Department, Passaic County Sheriff's Department)