Senator Kelly Ayotte says she has accepted the resignation of her state director, after he was arrested Friday, charged with solicitation of prostitution.

Nashua police say David Wihby was one of 10 men arrested as part of a special sting operation last week at two city hotels. Police say the men thought they were responding to advertisements by women placed online.

Wihby was charged with a misdemeanor and was released on $2,000 personal recognizance.

He is scheduled to be arraigned May 11.

Ayotte issued a statement, saying she was "shocked and deeply saddened" by Wihby's arrest, calling him a friend for many years. She said Wihby could not continue in his role.

Wihby also serves as vice chairman of the Manchester School Committee, and was an alderman in the city for 18 years.

He also served as deputy commissioner of the Department of Labor for 25 years.