Eleven men, including a Springfield police officer, were arrested in Windsor Locks during a prostitution bust police are calling “Operation Cupid.”
The investigation was launched on Valentine's Day and began after police received complaints about prostitution in local motels along Route 75 in Windsor Locks.
Police said the prostitution activity has led to an increase in crime, including larcenies, illegal drug use, child exploitation and disorderly conduct.
Investigators placed an ad on a popular internet site used by people who wish to trade sex for money. An undercover officer posing as a prostitute responded to requests for sexual services, police said.
The officer and clients met at local motels, where the suspects were then arrested by a team of backup officers, according to police.
A total of 11 men, including Springfield Police Officer John Wadlegger, have been arrested so far and are accused of soliciting prostitution.
The following people have been arrested:
- Springfield Police Officer John Wadlegger, 42, of Western, Mass.
- Jesse Coughlin, 33, of Chester, Mass.
- Eric Oullette, 42, of Glastonbury
- Brandon Blank, 28, of Bridgeport
- John Norris, 53, of Enfield
- Eslam Ayoub, 41, of Middletown (also charged with fourth-degree sexual assault)
- Wagner Brown, 34, of Waterbury
- John Cook, 56, of South Windsor
- Ravindra Wikramanaya, 54, Chicopee, Mass.
- Bryan Deway, 46, of Windsor Locks
- James Castelvetere, 59, of Enfield
Police said the operation is goingong. The name of the hotels have not been released.
