By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Pandering sting nets 10 arrests
Fake ad on social network draws men to 'escort services'
composite final
Ten men who responded to an undercover officer’s solicitation of “escort services” ended up behind bars Thursday as Statesboro police officers conducted a pandering sting.Undercover officers and others with the police Crime Suppression Unit, as well as Georgia Southern University Police officers, spent the day Thursday waiting as the men appeared one by one at a South Main Street hotel, expecting to meet the lady offering her services via a social media network.“Advanced Patrol Officer K. Briley, APO D. Cross and GSU Investigator C. Gracen led the investigation that led to 10 arrests,” Statesboro Public Safety Director Wendell Turner said.All 10 men were charged with pandering, which the Merriam-Webster dictionary defines as being involved in a sexual intrigue.Brandon Scott, 25, of Greenbriar Trail in Statesboro, also was charged with possession with intent to distribute marijuana.Others arrested in the sting were Charles Kevin Deal, 46, of Kevin Deal Road in Statesboro; Michael Alan Selestok, 39, of Burkhalter Circle in Claxton; Charles Caudill, 48, of Lake Pointe Drive, Pooler; Brian Barnard, 39, of Jim Cannon Road in Collins; Samuel Lovett, 30, of Forest Drive in Portal; James Sullivan, 42, of Middleground Plantation in Statesboro; William Hinely, 45, of Burkhalter Road in Statesboro; Johnathan Natson, 25, of Success Court in Statesboro; and Gary Brown, 43, of Findlay Place, in Cobbtown.All were transported to the Bulloch County Jail for booking and were being held pending further court action, Turner said.Holli Deal Bragg may be reached at (912) 489-9414.
Sign up for the Herald's free e-newsletter