8 charged with patronizing prostitutes
Eight men were charged this week with patronizing prostitutes following a sting operation at a Uniontown hotel last summer.
Among those arraigned before Magisterial District Judge Wendy Dennis in connection with the late-summer incidents were Brian S. Kubitza, 44, of South Union Township; Bradley S. Neal, 36, of Clarksville; Brett R. Gostic, 41, of Canonsburg; and Lawrence W. Douglas Jr., 34, of Fallowfield Township.
Others charged with the misdemeanor offense were John C. Cooper, 37, of Plum, Allegheny County; Eric W. Proger, 48, of Zelienople, Butler County; and Rocky A. Nicholson, 49 of South Huntingdon and James Bertola, 47, of Monessen, both in Westmoreland County.
Fayette County Assistant District Attorney Mark Brooks said Fayette County Drug Task Force undertook the investigation because in most cases there is a link between prostitution and drug use.
“It has been our experience that women get into prostitution to support a drug habit, and these men were willing to provide that income,” said Brooks.
While declining to divulge details of the sting operation, Brooks said that the men responded to an online advertisement for escort services.
Those responding to the advertisement were given an appointment and told to arrive at the Hampton Inn on West Main Street in Uniontown.
Upon arrival, the men were asked to produce the prearranged cash amount for the services to be rendered, said Brooks.
“We hope that if we can remove some of the men that finance the prostitution, it will also deter the drug use by the women,” he said.