Men arrested in prostitution sting plead not guilty

Two Yuba City men arrested in a district attorney-led prostitution sting were arraigned in Sutter County Superior Court Monday.

Sharandeep Singh, 24, and Teron Gilkey, 24, both pleaded not guilty to misdemeanor soliciting or engaging in prostitution.

They were arrested March 20 when Sutter County District Attorney personnel conducted a “John Sting” operation “in an effort to combat the ‘demand’ aspect of human trafficking/prostitution,” according to a department press release.

The two were arrested at a hotel on Palora Avenue in Yuba City, according to booking records. Chief Investigator Jon Duffy said the men were “Johns,” or buyers.

“The Sutter County District Attorney’s office plans to continue these operations in the future in an attempt to reduce the overwhelming demand of Human Trafficking/prostitution in our community,” it was stated in the press release.

The department was assisted by the Sutter County Sheriff’s Office, the Yuba City Police Department, the Colusa County District Attorney’s Office and the Colusa County Sheriff’s Office.

Both men have offers on the table, court records show: 12 hours counseling and a $500 fine. Deputy District Attorney Greg Boller said arraignment offers are typical in most cases in an effort to settle a case early in its process.