PORTLAND, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- Portland Police arrested four men for allegedly engaging with a prostitute after setting up a sting.
The police's Crime Reduction Unit has been investigating prostitution and human trafficking in the southern Maine area. "Johns," or patrons of sex for money, are the driving force in human trafficking. Johns will often first engage with a prostitute, and then will traffick the girl or boy.
Portland Police posted an advertisement on the website Backpage.com. Four men responded to the ad, Jason Rickett, Jack Chase, Nicholas St. Amand and Andrew Woody. All were charged with engaging with a prostitute. Chase was also charged with assaulting the undercover police officer.
Engaging a prostitute is a class E crime, punishable by imprisonment for up to six months and a fine up to $1000.
