Chattanooga Police made several prostitution arrests as the special investigations unit conducted an Internet-based prostitution operation at the Holiday Inn, 6274 Artesian Circle.
The owners of the Holiday Inn said they "would like to point out that the police department checked into our property under a government issued ID to conduct this sting. The undercover officer then proceeded to systematically contact prostitutes via the internet to meet him at our facility. At no time have any of these suspects previously checked into or operated out of our property.
The hotel was selected, as were other locations throughout Chattanooga by the police department, due to its proximity to a local school, thereby enhancing any convictions. Our Holiday Inn is highly ranked with all review services and we work hard to maintain our excellent reputation. We are pleased to work with local law enforcement but in doing so felt is necessary to clarify these facts."
Police said Lequaviana Spencer was contacted through an advertisement on Backpage.com "believed to be for prostitution."
She agreed to come to room 201 of the hotel, police said.
She was observed getting out of a 2011 Nissan Q at the hotel. It was being driven by Lorraine Brooks. Lequasha Mays was another passenger.
Ms. Spencer went to the room and for $200 agreed to perform sex acts on a police officer working undercover.
Ms. Brooks and Ms. Mays were then approached as they sat in the vehicle.
Police said they said they were there to see a friend, but did not know the friend's name.
This occurred within a mile and a half of Ooltewah High School.
At the same time, police charged Ms. Brooks in connection with an aggravated robbery from 12 years ago.
Police said on May 25, 2000, she and an armed male forced their way into the residence of Yolanda Morgan on E. 17th Street. Ms. Morgan and her small children were forced to the floor at gunpoint.
A number of items were taken including electronic goods, CDs, jewelry, a cell phone and $200 in cash and coins.
Ms. Brooks, 35, gave one address as Albany, Ga., and another as Lithonia, Ga.
| MAYS, LEQUASHA |
523 FRANKLIN STREET
MACON, 31206 |
21 |
Chattanooga |
- PROSTITUTION WITHIN 1.5 MILES OF A SCHOOL
|
| SPENCER, LEQUAVIANA |
523 FRANKLIN STREET
MACON, 31206 |
22 |
Chattanooga |
- PROSTITUTION WITHIN 1.5 MILES OF A SCHOOL
|
| STEFFEN, JOSHUA ALLEN |
6229 TALLANT ROAD
MCDONALD, 37353 |
33 |
Chattanooga |
- PATRONIZING PROSTITUTION WITHIN 1.5 MILES OF A SCH
|
| SMITH, TONEY EARL |
9102 OWEN LN
SODDY DAISY, 37379 |
35 |
Chattanooga |
- PATRONIZING PROSTITUTION WITHIN 1.5 MILES OF A SCH
|