2003
Media Releases:
CAMDEN COUNTY PROSECUTOR'S OFFICE
VINCENT P. SARUBBI, CAMDEN COUNTY PROSECUTOR
MEDIA INFORMATION
February 6, 2003
Camden County Prosecutor Vincent P. Sarubbi and Winslow Police Chief
Anthony Bello announced today that three people have been charged
with Promoting Prostitution in connection with an alleged "out-call"
prostitution ring operated from a home in Winslow, N.J.
Officials allege that the defendants were in charge of a sex-for-hire
business where customers called a toll free phone number, which
was advertised in local newspapers as an escort service. Prostitutes
then allegedly traveled to the customers' location. An investigation,
which began in the fall after neighbors complained to police, indicates
that approximately nine prostitutes, all females, served customers
throughout South Jersey as well as in Atlantic City and Philadelphia.
The women traveled to hotels, residences and other customer locations.
Charged with Promoting Prostitution are:
-
Darnell E. Bates, M/49, of the first block of Waltham Way. He
is also charged with Aggravated Assault for allegedly striking
one of the women who worked for him and threatening her with a
handgun. Bates also faces a charge of Endangering the Welfare
of a Child because two girls, ages 14 and 7, were living in the
home. In addition, Bates is charged with Possession of Weapon
by a Convicted Felon. He is being held in the Camden County Correctional
Facility in lieu of $500,000 bail, cash or bond.
- Tracy
L. Sipple, F/36, being held on $5,000 bail
- Neota
Rooney, F/33, who was released on her own recognizance.
The
investigation indicates that estimated weekly proceeds of the operation
were at least $10,000. The standard rate was $185 for up to one
hour, the investigation indicates.
Officers seized seven vehicles that were allegedly purchased with
proceeds and/or used in furtherance of illegal activities.
-
A 1995 Jaguar;
- A
2002 Cadillac Escalade;
- A
1995 Cadillac Deville;
- A
1994 Mercedes Benz S-600;
- A
1988 Mercedes Benz 190;
- A
2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser; and
- A
1996 Chevrolet Cavalier
Also
seized were:
-
$5,000 cash;
- Approximately
$300,000 worth of jewelry including a Rolex watch with an estimated
value of $40,000; and
- Five
semiautomatic handguns.
Investigators
believe the prostitution ring operated from the Winslow location
for approximately the past two years.
The defendants have been renting the home. Maximum prison terms
for the offenses charged are:
-
Promoting Prostitution, five years
- Aggravated
Assault, five years
- Endangering
the Welfare of a Child, 10 years
- Possession
of a Weapon by a Convicted Felon, 10 years.
All
persons charged with criminal offenses are presumed innocent unless
and until proven guilty in a court of law.
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