A Pennsylvania man who works as a clown was picked up in an undercover investigation for allegedly posting an ad offering sexual services for cash.
On May 18, agents from the Carbondale Police Department launched an undercover investigation targeting sex workers in the area. Since many people post online ads offering services, websites were searched to see if anyone was offering illegal escort services. One of the detectives saw an advertisement that caused them to believe the individual was a sex worker seeking clientele.
After identifying the man and texting the phone number listed in the ad, the police decided to go undercover and set up a meeting with the suspect. They agreed to meet him at a hotel in the area on July 2, and the man said he would text them when he arrived.
He headed to the agreed-upon location, and when he got there, the man reportedly sent the undercover agent a text message letting them know he was parked in the lot and sitting in his car. When the police approached the man, he was told he was being detained. Despite his Miranda rights protecting his choice to remain silent, the man reportedly chose to talk to them about what was going on. The affidavit says he explained that he was a career clown and needed money between gigs. He implied that he had never met with anyone for a sexual encounter.
According to the criminal complaint, the man was transported to Carbondale Police Headquarters before he was processed at the Lackawanna County Processing Center. He is accused of one misdemeanor count of promoting prostitution, and he is scheduled to appear in court in mid-August regarding the charge.
If you or someone you love is suspected of a sexual offense, contact Orange County criminal defense lawyer Staycie R. Sena at (949) 477-8088 for a consultation now.