March 16, 2018 – On Thursday March 15, 2018 the Newark Police Street Crimes Unit and Special Operations Unit conducted a reverse prostitution sting utilizing a local hotel. Undercover officers placed a fictitious profile of a female on an internet web page in the escort section to determine if any "johns" would solicit the female for prostitution. During the course of the investigation over 150 different telephone numbers called or texted the phone number placed in the add. The calls and texts were answered by undercover officers. Six male subjects responded to the hotel after requesting sexual favors in exchange for money or drugs.

Arrested were the following persons:

Saleh Ahmed (41) of Newark DE - Patronizing a Prostitute

Jeffrey Osborne (47) of Kemblesville PA. - Patronizing a Prostitute, Marijuana Possession

Shrey Upadhyay (25) of W. Deptford NJ - Patronizing a Prostitute

Mario Colon (24) of New Castle DE - Patronizing a Prostitute

Jason Wilson (34) of Newark DE - Patronizing a Prostitute

Robert North (49) of Smyrna, DE – Patronizing a Prostitute

All six were issued summonses to appear in Newark Alderman Court #40 at a later date and released from custody.

Chief of Police Paul Tiernan stated, “Although we understand that prostitution can be seen as a victimless crime, many people are engaged in this activity as a result of human trafficking, and often results in drug activity and violent crimes being committed.”

While conducting this operation, on March 15, 2018 at 6:30 p.m., the Newark Police received a 911 call reporting an assault and robbery of a female victim at a local hotel. The female, a 19-year-old from Las Vegas, Nevada, reported that she was strangled by someone she had just recently met and had undisclosed items stolen. This investigation is ongoing and a link to prostitution is being considered as an element in this crime.

Anyone with additional information about this incident should contact Detective Anderson at WAnderson@newark.de.us or 302-366-7100 ext. 3469.

You can send an anonymous text message tip by texting 302NPD and your message to TIP411. Information can also be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1‐800‐TIP‐3333 or via the internet at www.tipsubmit.com where a reward may be available.

The Newark Police Department affirms that all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.