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Seven arrested in prostitution sting

Photos: Prostitution sting arrests

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By Everdeen Mason, Staff writer Updated 7:47 PM Thursday, July 2, 2009

HAMILTON — Hamilton police arrested seven people Wednesday, July 1, in an undercover prostitution sting operation in the city’s 4th Ward.

Eleven officers, six undercover posing as both customers and a prostitute, participated in the nine-hour operation in response to neighborhood complaints, said Officer Dave Crawford, spokesman for the Hamilton Police Department.

“We don’t have a large problem with prostitution like other cities do,” he said. “On average we have 12 to 15 prostitutes.”

However, “these people are working the streets,” said Officer Rich Burkhardt. “Then (the police) will do a sting once in a while. We only need one complaint.”

The first arrest was made just before noon and continued until 8:45 p.m., according to police records.

Arrested were:

• Carol Cope, 51, of the 600 block of Ludlow Street was charged with soliciting. Cope allegedly offered an undercover officer oral sex for $20.

• Martin Garcia Bernardino, 23, of the 700 block of Gordon-Smith Boulevard, was arrested for soliciting. Garcia Benardino allegedly offered an undercover officer $50 in exchange for sex.

• Tony Smallwood, 29, of the 1300 block of Bonaker Avenue, was charged with two outstanding warrants through Hamilton Municipal Court.

• Thomas Taylor, 58, of the 1200 block of Parkamo Avenue, Fairfield Twp., was charged with soliciting and disorderly conduct. Police said Taylor consumed two 40-ounce beers and was stumbling in the street, before allegedly offering an undercover officer $20 for oral sex.

• Tanya Wilson, 50, of the 200 block of South 12th Street, was charged with soliciting. Wilson allegedly offered an undercover officer oral sex for $20.

• Karen Woods, 43, of the 700 block of East Avenue, was arrested for loitering to engage in prostitution and possession of drugs. Woods allegedly flagged down an undercover officer and entered the vehicle.

• Rebecca Zornes, 32, of the 1000 block of Maple Avenue, was charged with loitering to engage in soliciting and possession of drug paraphernalia. After allegedly offering an undercover officer oral sex for money, Zornes allegedly was found in possession of a glass crack pipe.

These arrests follow another undercover prostitution sting conducted in April. Eight people were arrested at that time according to police.

The vice section of the police takes anonymous complaints in regards to drugs, gambling and prostitution. Crawford said that results may not be immediate, but the police will begin investigating. To make a complaint, call (513) 868-5811, ext. 2001.

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