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Police bust local motel prostitution ring

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Colina

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Simpkins

WAYNESBURG – An alleged prostitution ring operating out of a Franklin Township motel was stopped by a sting operation May 23, resulting in charges being filed Friday against three people.

According to the criminal complaint, a state police trooper was contacted via text messaging by Christine Marie Colina, 23, of 363 Sherman Ave., Nemacolin, with an offer to exchange money for sex. Colina said she also was able to provide two additional females for sex, according to police. It is not clear in the affidavit how Colina obtained the number of the trooper or whether she knew the identity of the person with whom she was communicating.

The officer said Colina stated a price of $200 per female. If the officer referred a friend, the cost per female for them was allegedly $250. Images also were provided via text message of Colina; Kimberly Ann Jones, 24, of 437 Sheridan Ave., Nemacolin; and an unnamed, underage female.

Colina allegedly advised the officer of what they were willing to do for the money and asked he provide condoms. She also allegedly requested that he bring $10 to pay the person driving her to the hotel for gasoline. The officer agreed to the terms and arranged to meet with Colina, Jones and the girl at Econo Lodge in Waynesburg.

The officer secured a room at Econo Lodge and waited with another trooper for Colina, Jones and the girl to arrive. Other law enforcement officials provided surveillance or acted as arresting officers.

According to the complaint, when Colina, Jones and the girl entered the room, Colina immediately asked for the $10 to pay her ride. She said they would collect the rest of the money when they had concluded business. Police said they gave Colina a recorded $10 bill, which she handed to the girl.

The girl left the room to allegedly pay the driver, Thomas William Simpkins III, of 165 Wood Ave., Nemacolin. The arresting officers then entered the room and took Colina and Jones into custody, according to the complaint. The minor also was taken into custody and found to be in possession of the $10 bill.

Police said Simpkins provided a written statement indicating he was aware of the trio’s intent to engage in prostitution and that he was charging them the $10 in exchange for providing them a ride to the hotel. Simpkins is charged with one count of promoting the prostitution of a minor-transporting minor.

Jones was charged with one count of promoting prostitution in a house of prostitution or business.

Colina was charged with promoting prostitution as an inmate, or one who engages prostitution as a business; promoting and encouraging prostitution; promoting prostitution and procuring another for a house of prostitution or business; promoting prostitution and procuring a prostitute; promoting the prostitution of a minor by procuring and encouraging a minor to participate in prostitution; promoting prostitution by procuring another person to engage in a business or house of prostitution; corruption of minors; corruption of a minor by a defendant over the age of 18; unlawful contact with a minor-sexual offenses; and conspiracy to promote and encourage prostitution.

A preliminary hearing date for Colina, Jones and Simpkins had not been scheduled as of Friday afternoon.

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