Police arrest eight women in prostitution sting

Undercover police officers arrested eight women in a prostitution sting throughout the city of Hamilton Tuesday.

Police say the undercover sweep was, in part, conducted in areas throughout the city where residents had complained about prostitution. Other areas were identified by officers.

The women, nearly all of whom are from Hamilton, are being held in the Butler County Jail. Each woman is being held on a $12,500 bond.

Five of the women offered to perform oral sex on an undercover officer in exchange for cash amounts ranging from $20 to $40. The other three women were either seen flagging down cars or discussed a proposition to have sex for money, according to arrest reports. The women were arrested between the hours of 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday.

“The use and distribution of drugs and the associated crimes, violence, and tragedy that follow is a high priority for us,” Hamilton Police Chief Craig Bucheit said in a statement. “Earlier this week, we focused our efforts on those who turn to prostitution to support their habits and made eight arrests.”

The following women were arrested in the undercover operation, according to Hamilton police records:

  • Jeanne E. Rohrig, 26, of Hamilton charged with loitering to engage in prostitution and arrested at 2470 Hancock Avenue
  • Samantha Irene Couch, 23, of Hamilton charged with loitering to engage in prostitution and arrested at the intersection of Harmon and Grand Avenues
  • Tracy Jean Van Pelt, 36, charged with soliciting and arrested at the intersection of East Avenue and Long Street
  • Stacey Lynn Mills, 31, of Hamilton charged with soliciting and arrested at the intersection of Dixie Highway and Fairview Avenue
  • Erica Nicole Schmidt, 27, of Hamilton charged with soliciting and arrested at the intersection of Madison and Belle Avenues
  • Melody A. Riegert, 32, of Hamilton charged with soliciting and arrested at the intersection of Benninghofen and Belle Avenue
  • Brandy Nicole Rollins, 23, of Hamilton charged with soliciting and possession of drug abuse instruments and arrested at the intersection of Freeman and Laurel Avenues
  • Tiffany Danielle Pierce, 25, of Ross Twp. charged with soliciting and possession of drug abuse instruments as well as possession of drug paraphernalia

The eight women were arraigned Wednesday morning in Hamilton Municipal Court and they are expected to appear in court Tuesday.

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