Law enforcement conducted a reverse sting Wednesday focusing on prostitution.
Clarksburg Police Chief Robert Hilliard said six men were in custody by 1:40 p.m.
Arrested on charges of soliciting prostitution were Charles Albert Bias, 75, of Clarksburg, Gary Lewis Broughton, 71, of Clarksburg, James Michael Gulley, 54, of Mount Clare, Walter Jackson Southern, 88, of Lumberport, Michael Raymond Takash, 69, of Fairmont, and Jerry Lynn White, 52, of Clarksburg.
Each of the men is accused of soliciting prostitution from vehicles in downtown Clarksburg. Female undercover officers were used in the sting, said Chief Hilliard.
Harrison County Magistrate Frank DeMarco set at $1,000 cash bond for each defendant. DeMarco also informed the men of their requirement to obtain HIV testing and related counseling as part of their bond condition.
The reverse sting is aimed at curbing prostitution in Downtown Clarksburg area by taking away the demand for illegal sex.
Hilliard added, “This will not be the last one. We are still going to be actively out there conducting stings like this. I just want those to be aware that are going to be in the area to be on your guard because we are not going to give up until this problem is eliminated.”
The Greater Harrison County Drug and Violent Drug Task Force, Clarksburg Police, Fairmont Police, the Three Rivers Drug Task Force, and the Mountaineer Highway Interdiction Team South participated in the operation.
