Police in Newark are reporting that members of the Newark Police Division’s Special Enforcement Bureau took ten women in custody, including three from out of town, for prostitution in an operation that began Friday, June 23.
Though the charges lodged against these women are mere accusations and they are considered **innocent until proven guilty in a court of law**, Newark Public Safety Director Anthony Ambrose explained the charges to the public and the media.
According to Director Ambrose, in response to various quality of life complaints in the area of Hawthorne Avenue and Birks Place, his detectives conducted the operation which resulted in the arrest of the following individuals from out-of-town:
**Ms. Yolanda Desmith, 46, of the Bronx; ** **Ms.Tracy Ragsdale, 42, of Middleburg, Florida;** and **Ms. Charlise Burns, 45, of Jersey City.**
Director Ambrose said they all are charged with Soliciting and Prostitution with Ms. Burns also accused of Contempt of Court on an outstanding warrant.
Suspects arrested and charged with Soliciting and Prostitution from Newark are: **Ms. Sanikah Carter, 33;** **Ms. June Hill, 26;** **Ms. Simia Scales (not pictured), 27;** **Ms. Tanesha Grier, 37;** **Ms. Diane Green, 31;** **Ms.Melisa Cuming (not pictured), 33;** and **Ms. Robin Johnson 34.**
Director Ambrose said suspects Ms. Green, Ms. Cuming and Ms. Johnson are also charged with Contempt of Court on outstanding warrants.
“I commend the Special Enforcement Division detectives for their efforts in responding to complaints from residents regarding criminal activities occurring in their neighborhood,” Director Ambrose said. “I’m grateful to those residents who partner with police in addressing quality of life offenses to make Newark a safer place to live, work, visit, and play.”
The investigation is active, and ongoing Director Ambrose said.
**IMAGES FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: **Desmith, Ragsdale, Burns, Carter, Hill, Grier, Green, Johnson