NEW: Operation Backpage Nets Seven More Arrests in Providence

Thursday, October 01, 2015

GoLocalProv News Team

The City of Providence announced seven new arrests as part of its continuing "Operation Backpage" efforts, which came after a one-day sting operation last Thursday.  

 “If you use Backpage.com to solicit sex in Providence, you had better watch your back,” said Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza. “While online sites such as Backpage.com have created a new mechanism for the sex trade the Providence Police Department continues to meet those challenges head-on. Our investigators are working every day to bring to justice those who perpetuate and seek to profit from prostitution and provide support for the victims of sex trafficking. I commend their performance.”
 
Elorza had been at the forefront of the effort to address individuals answering online advertisements to pay for the illegal procurement of sex through the website Backpage.com, ‘Operation Backpage’ has led to the arrest of 42 individuals since March 2015.

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The most recent sting related to “Operation Backpage” was conducted on Thursday, September 25, resulting in the arrest of seven men soliciting for sex online. 

Providence Police Narcotics Detectives placed advertisements on Backpage.com disguised as women soliciting for sex. Throughout the investigation undercover policewomen arranged to meet the responding males inside a local hotel, where they are arrested and charged with procurement of sexual conduct for a fee. The defendants are scheduled to be arraigned in 6th District Court on October 13.

Defendants:

Orion Wellinghurst, age 28, Bristol
Vaallah Brown, age 24, Providence
Rasheed Chinn, age 30, Wrentham, MA
Robert Spiker, age 50, Bellingham, MA
Michael Sadler, age 33, Bristol
Kimball Abbott, age 45, S. Dartmouth, MA
Jaime Tellez, age 45, Providence

 

Editor's Note: This story was origianlly published at 1:59 PM on September 30, 2015

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