Thread: 14 arrested in Rhode Island prostitution investigation

I.C.E. News Release

November 22, 2010
North Scituate, RI

14 arrested in Rhode Island prostitution investigation

NORTH SCITUATE, R.I. - On Saturday, Nov. 20, 2010, members of the Rhode Island State Police Detective and Patrol Bureaus, special agents with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Office of Homeland Security Investigations, officers with the ICE Office of Enforcement and Removal Operations and the Providence Police Department executed state court-authorized search warrants as part of a six-month investigation of a house of prostitution being operated in Providence, R.I. The warrants culminated in arrests of fourteen people linked to pandering or permitting prostitution, procuring sex for money and prostitution.

At approximately 7:45 p.m., a search warrant was executed by the Rhode Island State Police Tactical Team at the house of prostitution located at 33 Ida Street, 1st Floor, Providence. After the search of the premises and arrest of two suspected female prostitutes and two suspected male panderers/ security guards, the Rhode Island State Police conducted began a sting operation at the house. Utilizing undercover troopers as female prostitutes and male panderers/security guards, the Rhode Island State Police continued the operation of the prostitution house and received numerous male customers.

Upon the agreement by the male customers to pay money for a sexual act they were placed under arrest.

The following is a list of the people arrested, the charges they face, and the bail that was set after being processed and arraigned before a Justice of the Peace at Rhode Island State Police Headquarters:

Teofilo Sarcedo, age 47, of 21 Jillson Street, Providence, RI, for Identity Fraud/Theft, and Pandering or Permitting Prostitution, and as an Illegal Re-entry after Deportation. Mr. Sarcedo was the "ringleader" of the entire operation. Bail was set at $10,000 personal recognizance (PR) and he was turned over to ICE.

Eloida Mejia, age 20, of 2268 Washington Street, Apartment Twelve, Bronx, NY, for Prostitution. Bail was set at $1000 PR.

Dania Mejia-Ruiz, age 35, of 3250 5th Avenue, Apartment Two, Minneapolis, MN, for Prostitution. Bail was set at $1000 PR.

Hugo Gomez-Alvizures, age 28, of 41 Henry Street, Central Falls, RI, for Pandering or Permitting Prostitution. After Mr. Gomez-Alvizures was transported to State Police Headquarters it was determined that he was an undocumented illegal alien. Bail was set at $10,000 PR and he was turned over to ICE.

Jose Perez, age 62, of LKA 33 Ida Street, Providence, RI, for Pandering or Permitting Prostitution. Bail was set at $1000 PR.

Marco Calderone, age 36, of 1752 Cotting Avenue, Apartment Two, Marlborough, MA, for Procurement of Sexual Conduct for a Fee and an active warrant for deportation. Bail was set at $10,000 PR and he was turned over to ICE.

Socorro Tino-Vicente, age 18, of 909 County Street, Apartment One, New Bedford, MA, for Procurement of Sexual Conduct for a Fee and an active warrant for deportation. Bail was set at $10,000 PR and he was turned over to ICE.

Yohan Natareno, age 26, of 235 Union Avenue, Providence, RI, for Procurement of Sexual Conduct for a Fee. After Mr. Natareno was transported to State Police Headquarters it was determined that he was an undocumented illegal alien. Bail was set at $10,000 PR.

Ramiro Luarca Argueta, age 22, of 89 Sterling Avenue, Providence, RI, for Procurement of Sexual Conduct for a Fee. After Mr. Argueta was transported to State Police Headquarters it was determined that he was an illegal alien. Bail was set at $1000 PR.

Laurencio Hernandez, age 25, of 50 Fletcher Street, Apartment Three, Central Falls, RI, for Procurement of Sexual Conduct for a Fee. After Mr. Hernandez was transported to State Police Headquarters it was determined that he was an illegal alien. Bail was set at $1000 PR.

Hermelindo Chocj-Itiaz, age 37, of 263 Laurel Hill Avenue, Providence, RI, for Procurement of Sexual Conduct for a Fee. After Mr. Chocj-Itiaz was transported to State Police Headquarters it was determined that he was an illegal alien. Bail was set at $1000 PR.

Juan Lopez, age 35, of 30 Barbara Street, Apartment One, Providence, RI, for Procurement of Sexual Conduct for a Fee. After Mr. Lopez was transported to State Police Headquarters it was determined that he was an illegal alien. Bail was set at $1000 PR.

Jesus Montezuma, age 31, of 138 Lincoln Avenue, Central Falls, RI, for Procurement of Sexual Conduct for a Fee. After Mr. Montezuma was transported to State Police Headquarters it was determined that he was an illegal alien. Bail was set at $1000 PR.

Baboucarr M. Gaye, age 31, 249 Japonica Street, Apartment Two, Pawtucket, RI, for Procurement of Sexual Conduct for a Fee. Bail was set at $1000.00 PR.

Additional arrests may result as this investigation continues.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is the largest investigative arm of the Department of Homeland Security.

ICE is a 21st century law enforcement agency with broad responsibilities for a number of key homeland security priorities. For more information, visit www.ICE.gov. To report suspicious activity, call 1-866-347-2423.

U.S. Dept of Homeland Security

http://www.ice.gov/news/releases/1011/1 ... ituate.htm

The "culture".

And they were all paying taxes, lol

Utilizing undercover troopers as female prostitutes and male panderers/security guards, the Rhode Island State Police continued the operation of the prostitution house and received numerous male customers.