Undercover operation targeted alleged "johns"
NEWARK -- An undercover operation overnight into Friday led to the arrests of nine men on charges of soliciting prostitution in the city, according to Public Safety Director Anthony Ambrose.
The Newark police division's Special Investigation Bureau launched the sting in response to complaints from residents around Frelinghuysen Avenue, Wright Street, Sherman Avenue and East Bigelow Street, Ambrose said in a statement.
"We will continue to take definitive steps to combat crime and the activities that impeach our reputation at every level here in our city," the director said. "It is important that we address quality of life concerns as well as other criminal activities."
The effort focused on so-called "johns," who cruise city streets looking for prostitutes, Ambrose added.
6 alleged 'johns' charged in prostitution sweep
"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," a statement from the city's public safety department said.
Of the nine arrested, six were not Newark residents, according to police.
"This operation is one of many ongoing initiatives designed to address citizen complaints throughout the city," Ambrose said.
Police said the following men were arrested in the operation:
Damion Abrahams, 33, of Maplewood
Brandon Peele, 35, of Newark
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
Noah Cohen may be reached at ncohen@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @noahyc. Find NJ.com on Facebook.