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Both locations were targeted “based on an overwhelming amount of complaints,” city Police Director Jerry Speziale said.
Police previously raided the Cabaret Lounge on Cianci Street eight months ago – arresting the manager, a 62-year-old stripper and six of her co-workers at the time – after they said dancers openly solicited undercover officers for sex.
SEE: Prostitution Raid At Paterson Men's Club Nets Manager, 62-Year-Old Stripper, $8,800 Cash
This time, they busted the owner, 67-year-old Victor Morales of Hawthorne, on charges of promoting prostitution and maintaining a nuisance, as well as Yaniris Cruz, 40, of the Bronx for prostitution, Speziale said.
The second location was a “garage door business” on Railroad Avenue that used its first and second floors as an afterhours lounge, the director said.
Police had ben called there before – for fights, loud music, DWI, gangs hanging out and more, he said.
This time, six people were arrested, a dozen summonses were issued, four vehicles were towed and a total of 138 bottles of booze, 20 hookah pipes and nearly $1,050 in cash were seized, Speziale said.
All six were charged with causing or risking widespread injury, weapons possession (Mace), maintaining a nuisance and illegal hookah smoking.
They were identified as:
- Wellington Soto, 46, of Garfield;
- Carlton Beckford, also 46, of Paterson;
- Bolivar Abreu, 32, of Paterson;
- Elias Cordero, 36, of Garfield;
- Maria Correa, 29, of Haledon;
- Anthony Sosa-Felix, 33, of Paterson.
“These locations are magnets for crime and disorder,” Speziale said. “We will vigorously continue to identify and shut them down.“
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