Rockland County District Attorney Thomas P. Zugibe today announced the arrests of five would-be sex buyers (or "johns") in an ongoing effort to combat the growing problem of sex trafficking.

The sweep brought together the District Attorney's Office with the Town of Clarkstown Police in an aggressive crackdown on the demand for purchased sex. The joint operation also targeted pimps and traffickers who force victims into lives of prostitution. Five men were taken into custody on various charges, including Patronizing a Prostitute in the Third Degree, a class "A" Misdemeanor.

"Sex trafficking continues to destroy countless lives," Zugibe said in a prepared statement. "This undercover sting should send a strong message to prospective johns that their hobby is not a victimless crime, but rather a terrifying and despicable offense against some of our most vulnerable populations." With the assistance of female police officers who posed as escorts, detectives placed ads for 'in calls' and 'out calls' on the popular Internet sites. The ads focused on predatory suspects seeking to purchase sexual services from women.

Clarkstown Police Chief Michael Sullivan said yesterday's sting focused on local hotels and motels where the department has seen an increase in organized and independent prostitution activities. The Clarkstown Police Department intends to continue this and other targeted approaches aimed at addressing this issue and to make it clear that such activities will be vigorously pursued. "Prostitution may seem to be a victimless crime, but that is far from the truth," said Sullivan. "The presence of this practice in our neighborhoods brings an undesirable element with it and negatively impacts the quality of life in our community. In addition, many of the people engaged in prostitution are coerced into this very dangerous way of life with no hope of escape. Today's operation was directed at those who would exploit these victims in order to satisfy their own needs. The Clarkstown Police Department will continue to work with our District Attorney and other law enforcement partners to attack this serious problem by focusing on the demand for these services here in Clarkstown and Rockland County."

One of the defendants, Anthony Tozzi (DOB 09/30/59) of 32 Bellgrove Drive, Mahwah, New Jersey, faces charged of Patronizing a Prostitute in the Third Degree, in addition to several drug-related felonies. Tozzi is accused of agreeing to exchange drugs as payment for sex.

Said Zugibe, "Sex trafficking is a business that relies upon supply and demand. By arresting the alleged johns, we cut off the supply. By charging 5 individuals with patronizing prostituted women, we continue to dismantle local human trafficking operations. If there's no one to pay for the women's sexual services, the women would likely not have been forced into a life of physical and psychological abuse."

Arrested were: Michael A. Greenberg (DOB 05/05/79) of Nanuet, NY: 1 count of Patronizing a prostitute in the third degree; 1 count of unlawful possession of marihuana

Anthony Tozzi (DOB 09/30/59) of Mahwah, NJ: 1 count of CPCS 3rd / intent; 1 count of CSCS 3rd / narcotic drug; 1 count of Patronizing a prostitute in the third degree

Segundo G. Lopez (DOB 07/14/81) of Suffern, NY; 1 count of Patronizing a prostitute in the third degree

Evens J. Francois (DOB 03/19/78) of Chestnut Ridge, NY; 1 count of Patronizing a prostitute in the third degree The undercover operation and arrests were a joint effort between the Rockland County District Attorney's Office and the Town of Clarkstown Police Department. Supervising Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Parietti is prosecuting the cases.