Prostitution bust nets four alleged street walkers in Paterson
By Jonathan Greene
Published: July 18, 2020
A detective posed as a john during a prostitution crackdown on Van Houten Street on Friday evening. Street walkers flagged him down and propositioned him for sex act in exchange for money, according to public safety director Jerry Speziale.
Police arrested for alleged prostitutes during the crackdown on Van Houten and Auburn streets.
Morales Betty, 47, of Paterson; Nicole C. Paletta-Wright, 39, of Paterson; Kristen D. Surlak, 34, of Fair Lawn; and Dawn M. Stapowick, 47, of Paterson, were each charged with prostitution offenses.
“We have focused on the prostitutes drawing people to the community and will continue to focus on both the prostitutes and johns,” Speziale said. “The broken window theory is proven that all these issues lead to larger crimes and we will continue to put a lid on it.”
Speziale said police conducted the operation after getting complaints of prostitution in the area from residents.