Six arrested in prostitution sting
COURTHOUSE — Six people were arrested over the weekend as a result of Montgomery County Detectives and Upper Merion Police Department’s initiative to stop human trafficking and the commercial sex trade in Montgomery County. Sunil Jagani, 41, of Malvern, Andrew Kim, 46, of Willow Grove, Scott Konefsky, 50, of Royersford, Laltendu Mahapatra, 28, of North Wales, Jason Schenck, 24, of Philadelphia and Eric Zettle, 44, of Norristown, were all arrested for allegedly patronizing prostitution. Konefsky was also charged for allegedly carrying a firearm without a license.
Montgomery County District Attorney Risa Ferman said this is the first of many of these operations where county detectives will partic- ipate in with local law enforcement considering the operation over the weekend to be successful.
Ferman said there are two reasons for this kind of sting operation, the first being the rise in prostitution related offenses in Montgomery County. The second is the knowledge that prostitutes are often the victims of human trafficking.
“This is the first of many law enforcement initiatives focused on public safety and quality of life,” Ferman said.
On Feb. 28, according to a press release sent out on Monday, the Upper Merion Police Department and the Montgomery County Detective Bureau organized a sting operation targeting human trafficking and the sex trade in the King of Prussia Area. On Feb. 28, officers posted an online advertisement offering prostitution services. According to the press release, officers received hundreds of text messages and phone calls for a time and location as well as price. Each defendant met at the agreed location at different times with an undercover officer posing as a prostitute before being taken into custody.
On Monday, criminal summons were filed with District Judge William Maruszczak. Each of the defendants will face a preliminary hearing in front of Maruszczak at dates to be determined.
The cases against these individuals will be prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Jordan Friter.
The District Attorney’s office previously announced they would be partnering with local law enforcement to stop human trafficking and the commercial sex trade in Montgomery County.