Nine Charged in Howard County Solicitation Sting

Howard County police charged nine men with solicitation of prostitution in an undercover operation on Route 1 in Laurel—the second such operation this year, officials said.

The nine were charged Friday following charges against eight in April, the department said in a press release.

Detectives and female officers working undercover charged the nine on solicitation of prostitution and related charges in Laurel along the U.S. 1 corridor.

Police were responding to citizen complaints of prostitution activity in the area.

Suspects who approached female officers offering money for sex were arrested, police said.

Charged were :

Billy O. Almadovar, 28, of Germantown; Tony E. Betanga, 37, of Elkridge; Mark D. Brooks, 47, of Columbia; Robert Johnston, 49, of Elkridge; Manuel C. Martinez-Bonilla, 34, of Laurel;  Tony A. Navarrete, 29, of Laurel;  Anselmo de Jesus Ramos, 42, of Hyattsville; Prince Quiwonkpa Torres, 19, of Laurel and Frankie C. Wleh, 35, of Rosedale.

In 2010, , resulting in 76 arrests.

Citizens with information on prostitution activity are encouraged by police to call 410-313-STOP. Callers may remain anonymous.