Stark State administrator charged in prostitution sting
JACKSON TWP. – A Stark State College administrator was among 17 people arrested in a recent prostitution sting at a Sunset Strip Avenue NW hotel.
James P. Cooney, 47, of Brunswick is accused of answering an online ad for sex. Undercover law enforcement officers were waiting at the hotel.
Cooney is the executive director of admissions and enrollment strategies at Stark State. He was placed on leave as soon as college officials were made aware of the incident, a spokesperson said.
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"Stark State College strives to act in the best interest of our students, faculty and staff," a statement from the school said.
A message seeking comment was left with Cooney's attorney Christopher Coleridge.
Jackson Township police and Summit County Sheriff's Office conducted a joint investigation Dec. 8 into human trafficking. During the single-day operation, several men answered an online advertisement offering explicit sexual services in exchange for payment.
The Stark County Sheriff’s Office, Stark County Metro Narcotics, North Canton Police Department, Springfield Township Police Department, and the Massillon City Prosecutor’s Office assisted in the sting.
All of the men arrested were charged with misdemeanor counts of engaging in prostitution and possession of criminal tools. Five of the men were from Stark County.
Reach Amy at 330-775-1135 or amy.knapp@indeonline.com
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This article originally appeared on The Independent: 17 men charged in Jackson Township human trafficking sting
