The State Police, Stamford Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation worked together on a joint operation called “Recovered Innocence.” The sting was part of a larger FBI operation to crack down on underage prostitution in the tri-state area during the Super Bowl weekend, police said. Police made the arrests over two days -- Friday and Saturday.
On Friday, police arrested Tara Pinnock, 23, of Albany, N.Y.; Niaria Campbell, 18, of Taunton, Mass.; and Suzette Dubois, age unknown, of Pomona, N.Y., on one count each of prostitution. Justin Torbino, 20, of New York City, and Enrique Batista, 34, of the Bronx, N.Y., were each charged with promoting prostitution and risk of injury to a minor, according to the state police report. Torbino was also charged with possession of marijuana.
On Saturday, police arrested four women on prostitution charges: Jessica Morales, 36, of Astoria, N.Y.; Whitney Villegas, 19, of Albany, N.Y.; Thea Edmonds, 26, of Albany; and Kayla Hazard, 18, of Providence, R.I.
The four underage girls -- a 14-year-old, a 16-year-old, and two 17-year-olds -- were all taken to local hospitals for evaluations under FBI supervision, State Police said. The Department of Children and Families has been notified of the case.
Pinnock, Torbino and Batista were all held on bond and taken to Stamford Superior Court on Monday. The other suspects were released and are due in court on Feb. 19.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Stamford and receive free news updates.