GROTON TOWN POLICE MAKE ARRESTS AS PART OF FBI-LED OPERATION

Groton — Like Norwich police, Groton Town police last week also participated in Operation Cross Country XI, an FBI-sponsored effort to find underage victims of prostitution and raise awareness about the problem of sex trafficking.

According to police, officers on Oct. 13 set up in the parking lot of an unspecified hotel and ultimately arrested one person for prostitution. While officers were on scene, they also noticed drug-related activity going on in the parking lot and made two arrests related to that.

Othalia Sanchez, 24, of Providence was charged with prostitution and second-degree failure to appear in court.

Christina A. Onorati, 35, of 313 Salem Turnpike, Norwich, was charged with two counts of possession of narcotics, two counts of possession of narcotics with intent to sell, possession of less than a half-ounce of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Rodney T. Rowe, 42, of 47 Sturtevant St., Norwich, was charged with possession of narcotics, possession of narcotics with intent to sell, possession of less than a half-ounce of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Police said they seized a small amount of marijuana, 23.31 grams of crack cocaine, 34 oxycodone pills and $1,273 in cash while investigating Onorati and Rowe.

According to police, Sanchez, Onorati and Rowe all were released after posting bond. Sanchez’s bond was set at $10,000, while Onorati and Rowe had $5,000 bonds. Upon his release, parole remanded Rowe to custody. He remains at the Corrigan Correctional Facility.

Members of the Detective and Special Services Division, the Regional Community Enhancement Task Force and the Patrol Division assisted the FBI in the operation.