The Lancaster County Human Trafficking Task Force, launched on January 11, recently conducted its first successful operation in its mission to combat human trafficking in Lancaster County.

The Task Force has charged 14 suspects in a prostitution sting involving an online advertisement and a hotel in East Hempfield Township which targeted individuals who perpetuate the demand for human trafficking and prostitution, commonly known as “Johns.”

“This operation was directly aimed at reducing the demand for commercial sex,” District Attorney Heather Adams said. “Those who patronize prostitution in our community fuel traffickers who fill that demand with victims.”

On March 10, 2022, members of the Human Trafficking Task Force conducted a prostitution detail with an undercover female detective making contact with subjects of the investigation. The detail spanned approximately eight hours and contact was made with over 100 “Johns.” These subjects responded to an online advertisement and made arrangements to exchange money, ranging from $80 to $200, for sexual activity.

Those charged face allegations of patronizing prostitutes and criminal conspiracy, both third-degree misdemeanors punishable of up to one year in prison and a $2,500 fine.

The following were arrested:

• Eddie Vazquez-Gomez, 47, Mount Joy, patronizing prostitutes
• Aaron O’Brien, 41, Lancaster, patronizing prostitutes
• Eric Rivera, 32, Millersville, patronizing prostitutes
• Gavin Snader, 49, Pequea, patronizing prostitutes
• William McClucas, 59, Willow Street, patronizing prostitutes
• Paul Hale, 54, Lancaster, patronizing prostitutes
• Brian Keil, 46, Coatesville, patronizing prostitutes
• Juan Colon, 37, Lancaster, patronizing prostitutes
• Gary Peters, 57, Williamsburg, Ky., patronizing prostitutes
• Marco Matos, 37, Gap, patronizing prostitutes
• Neptali Marroquin, 35, Lancaster, patronizing prostitutes
• Elijah Santos, 27, Lancaster, patronizing prostitutes
• Michael Boyles, 40, Maytown, patronizing prostitutes, criminal conspiracy
• Thomas Brown, 52, Marietta, criminal conspiracy

“Unfortunately, as seen by the number of arrests and inquiries into the advertisement posted by the Task Force, the demand for this clearly exists right here in Lancaster,” DA Adams said. “This was the first but certainly won’t be the last operation conducted. Prospective buyers should take note and act accordingly by refraining from advancing human trafficking.”

The defendants will be sent a summons to appear for a preliminary hearing before Magisterial District Judge Brian E. Chudzik at which time they will be arraigned and bail set.

All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

East Hempfield Township Police Detective Ryan Kelly assigned to Lancaster County DA’s Human Trafficking Task Force filed charges.

Assistant District Attorney Fritz Haverstick approved charges.

MEDIA CONTACT: Sean McBryan, semcbryan@co.lancaster.pa.us; Twitter: @SeanMcBryanLanc.