Police Arrest 18 in North Laurel Prostitution Sting

Howard County police say 18 people were arrested for soliciting prostitution Wednesday as part of a North Laurel sting operation.

According to statement from police, detectives and female plainclothes officers worked along a stretch of Washington Blvd. (U.S. Route 1) in response to citizen complaints.

Individuals who approached undercover officers and offered money in exchange for sex were placed under arrest, police said.

The following suspects were arrested and charged with solicitation of prostitution and disorderly conduct:

• Josue Otoniel Villegas Argueta, 33, of Hyattsville
• George Youssef Kashouh, 60, of Springfield, VA
• Robert Paul McDevitt, 43, of Laurel
• Noel Alfon Delcid, 30, of Laurel
• Lenny William Walker, 33, of Largo
• Alirio Tejada, 34, of Laurel 
• Torrence Myrtle, 36, of Laurel 
• Santos Interiano-Ventura, 34, of Columbia 
• Douglas N. Hurtado Hernandez, 34, of Adelphi 
• Hugo A. Procopio, 80, of Gambrills 
• Christopher Allen Voigt, 50, of Kensington 
• Julio Cesar Pintor, 38, of Lanham 
• Michael Emiru Hailu, 30, of Laurel 
• Alfredo Cornelio Lenon, 34, of York, PA 
• Josue V. Rodriguez Esteves, 28, of Bladensburg
• Richard John Wilcox, 69, of Varnville, SC 
• Gerson L. Carias Hernandez, 26, of Columbia
• Benjamin Torciol Trujillo, 33, of Lanham

The so-called "reverse prostitution operation" is the second such sting conducted by Howard County police this year.

Residents aware of ongoing prostitution activity are urged call 410-313-STOP with tips or information. Callers may remain anonymous.