14 nabbed in Acre neighborhood prostitution sting
By Paul Tennant
ptennant@eagletribune.com
HAVERHILL — A majority of the 14 men arrested Sunday in a prostitution sting agreed yesterday to accept the state’s offer of paying $400 in restitution to the city in return for having the charges dismissed.
Thirteen of the men were arraigned in Haverhill District Court. One defendant failed to appear for the arraignment.
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Capt. Alan Ratte, head of detectives who directed the sting, said female officers posed as prostitutes at various locations, including Vine, Welcome and Winter streets. When the men propositioned them, offering $30 or so, the undercover officers signaled detectives, who made the arrests, Ratte said.
Acre residents have complained for years about illegal drug activity and prostitution in their neighborhood. Ratte said the sting was carried out to “improve the quality of life in the area.”