Several Arrests Made in Prostitution Sting

Five people were arrested in a prostitution sting Tuesday. Charleston police said in a news release that Barbara Hodge and Christen Jones, of Charleston were arrested, along with Nakita Hopkins, originally from Massachusetts now living in Charleston, plus 71-year old Billy Browning of Scott Depot and 42-year old Jason Samuel of South Charleston. All are charged in Charleston Municipal Court with engaging in prostitution. Charleston Police Chief Steve Cooper has pledged to crack down on prostitution since he took office and several stings have been conducted by the department in the past several months.