Updated September 11, 2016.
Damion Abrahams, 33, of Maplewood, was one of several men arrested and charged with soliciting prostitution in an overnight “John” operation in Newark.
The sting, conducted by the the Newark Police Special Investigation Bureau, was set up in response to complaints from residents of Frelinghuysen Avenue, Wright Street, Sherman Avenue and East Bigelow Street.
The covert operation started late last night and ended early this morning, according to Newark Public Safety Director Anthony Ambrose.
“This operation targeted those who cruise through neighborhoods into the wee hours of the night searching for prostitutes. Targeting these individuals not only improves the quality of the life in these neighborhoods, it also reduces the likelihood of these men becoming the victim of crimes themselves,” read a release from the Newark Department of Public Safety.
Ambrose stated, “We will continue to take definitive steps to combat crime and the activities that impeach our reputation at every level here in our city. It is important that we address quality of life concerns as well as other criminal activities. This operation is one of many ongoing initiatives designed to address citizen complaints throughout the city.”
Besides Abrahams, several other men were arrested and charged in the sting for soliciting prostitution:
Michael Calouro, 40, of Garfield
Ernest Corbett, 27, of Newark
William Wiafe, 47 of Parlin
Guilherme Pinto, 69, of Roselle
Emildio Vasquez, 39, of Rahway
Peter Quick, 54, of Basking Ridge
Leon Coleman, 42, of Newark
