Marty Gordon
NRVsports@mainstreetnewspapers.com
The Virginia State Police has announced the arrest of 17 individuals on solicitation of a prostitute after a three-day sting operation at a Christiansburg hotel.
During the three-day operation, (March 17-19), the individuals were charged with solicitation of prostitution. Each was written a summons and released, with the exception of two which had outstanding warrants. Those two were taken into custody.
There may be additional charges pending after presented to a grand jury.
One of the 17 arrestees was a Montgomery County school principal. The school system released the following statement:
“Montgomery County Public Schools was notified that Dr. Mark Crummey, principal of Kipps Elementary School, was arrested on charges related to soliciting a prostitute. Per division policy, Dr. Crummey is on leave as the school division investigates and cooperates with law enforcement. Glen Chilcote will continue to serve as the acting on-site administrator. Because this is a personnel matter, we are unable to share additional details at this time. The wellbeing of our students remains our top priority.”
Apparently, the individuals responded to an online advertisement for a meeting.
The charges are a Class One misdemeanor, which carries penalties up to 12 months in jail and/or a fine of $2,500.
Recent prostitution and solicitation arrests in the southwest and central regions have focused on undercover sting operations.
This investigation follows a much larger one that spanned several jurisdictions including Roanoke and Floyd and the breakup last month of a large prostitution ring. Police say this one operated out of Amanda’s Touch on Peter’s Creek Road in Roanoke. Over 50 women were apparently involved in the ongoing operation, and two individuals were arrested for racketing in the larger investigation.
