Six arrested on prostitution, drug distribution, and money laundering charges in Secaucus
The operation took place as part of a targeted effort to reduce vice-related crimes throughout the town.
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A coordinated vice sweep by the Secaucus Police Department’s Detective Division and Anti-Crime Unit resulted in the arrest of six individuals on various prostitution and narcotics charges.
The operation took place on Thursday as part of a targeted effort to reduce vice-related crimes throughout the town.
The sting began at 6:55 p.m. when detectives arrested Jessica Basto-Guevara, 27, of Long Island City, N.Y. She was charged with promoting prostitution and engaging in prostitution. Basto-Guevara was processed, issued a complaint summons and released from police custody.
Later that evening, at 9:32 p.m., a larger confrontation led to the arrest of three additional individuals, several of whom had outstanding criminal warrants. Niia Billups, 29, of Montclair, was arrested for engaging in prostitution and possession of a controlled dangerous substance believed to be cocaine. Officers discovered Billups had an active, no-bail outstanding warrant out of Newark, resulting in her being issued a complaint warrant and transported directly to Hudson County Jail.
During the same incident, Shante Westley, 38, of Maplewood, N.J., faced a litany of charges including engaging in prostitution, promoting prostitution, possession of cocaine, possession with intent to distribute cocaine and evidence tampering. Westley also held an outstanding $750 warrant from East Orange, which released her on her own recognizance before Secaucus police released her on a complaint summons.
Deonte Hobson, 26, of Newark, was also arrested during this confrontation for hindering apprehension after allegedly providing false information to officers. Hobson held a $2,500 warrant out of Newark and a $1,500 warrant out of Union, both featuring 10% options. Both municipalities released Hobson on her own recognizance, and she was issued a complaint summons and released by Secaucus authorities.
The operation concluded at 9:57 p.m. with the arrests of two final suspects who faced additional felony charges. Andrew Balladres-Anchundia, 20, of Newark, was charged with promoting prostitution, engaging in prostitution and conspiracy to commit distribution of cocaine. Karl Saway, 27, of West Orange, was hit with multiple serious offenses, including possession of cocaine, possession with intent to distribute marijuana, possession with intent to distribute cocaine and money laundering. Both Balladres-Anchundia and Saway were issued complaint summonses and released from custody pending future court appearances.
