Site last updated: Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Log In

Reset Password
MENU
Butler County's great daily newspaper

Five arrested in prostitution sting

Five women are jailed following a weekend prostitution sting in Cranberry Township.

The investigation ended Friday night after Cranberry Township police undercover officers arranged meetings at a hotel and a house.

The suspects, including three from out of county and one from out of state, were nabbed at different times in the evening after showing up for the illegal trysts, most with condoms.

They were detained and charged after accepting money from an undercover officer, money that ranged from $200 to $300. Each suspect arranged the meeting with officers after being contacted on their cell phones, which were listed on advertisements on two web sites. Those ads “openly solicited sexual activity in exchange for money,” according to a police affidavit.

Police arrested Chelsey L. Hulihan, 21, of Erie; Annalisa M. McLaughlin, 32, of Pittsburgh; Lauren M. Nero, 26, of Sacramento, Calif.; Jenna F. Peitz, 27, of Pittsburgh: and Stefanie I. Rios, 20, of Cranberry Township.

District Judge Wayne Seibel arraigned all the defendants on charges of promoting prostitution, criminal use of a communication facility, possessing an instrument of crime and prostitution.

The instruments of crimes in the cases included cell phones, condoms and sex toys.

Additionally, Nero and Rios were both charged with conspiracy to promote prostitution. Peitz also is charged with possession of a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia and Rios is charged with possession of a small amount of marijuana.

The suspects were placed in the Butler County Prison following arraignment.

Hulihan, McLaughlin and Peitz were arrested at the Marriott Pittsburgh North hotel on Cranberry Woods Drive, and Nero and Rios were arrested together at Rios' apartment on Creekview Circle.

A complete report will appear in Monday's Butler Eagle.

More in Digital Media Exclusive

Subscribe to our Daily Newsletter

* indicates required
TODAY'S PHOTOS