Nine arrests in daytime John Sweep
Posted Feb 26, 2016 03:59:01 PM.
Last Updated Feb 26, 2016 04:06:19 PM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
OTTAWA — Ottawa Police have conducted a daytime John Sweep, focusing on the Vanier area.
It happened between February 22 and 23.
Nine men were arrested for engaging in the solicitation of prostitution. Eight of them qualified and agreed to take part in a John School Pre-Charge Diversion Program.
One male, Grant Johnston, 51, of Ottawa was charged with various criminal offences, including Trafficking a schedule 2 substance, Possession of a schedule 2 substance, Possession of a weapon for dangerous purpose, Carrying a concealed weapon and Prostitution-related offences.
He was released on a promise to appear in court in March.
“John sweep projects stem from community and business concerns in relation to ongoing prostitution and males soliciting for that purpose in residential neighbourhoods,” said Staff Sergeant Sam Fawaz of the Central Neighbourhood Team. “We had numerous complaints from the community and our officers about males soliciting prostitutes during the lunch hour and afternoon period.”
