Task Force Charges 5 Men With Soliciting Prostitution in Weekend Sting

Police in Tuscaloosa arrested five men this weekend after a law enforcement task force conducted a sting seeking solicitors of prostitution.

In a Monday press release, Captain Phil Simpson, the commander of the West Alabama Human Trafficking Task Force, said they conducted a detail this weekend, posting commercial sex ads online to find those who make use of them.

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The sting caught five men, who all allegedly responded to ads, arranged to meet a woman and pay for sex, then traveled to the location and handed over money.

The following individuals were charged with soliciting prostitution:

• David Tillet, 49, of Tuscaloosa
• John William Godfrey III, 40, of Cottondale
• Christopher Shan Hinkle, 56, of Camp Hill
• Joshua Vasha Samuel, 29, of Tuscaloosa
• Lawrence Eric Stephens, 43, of Tuscaloosa

Simpson said Tillet was arrested Friday and the other suspects were arrested Saturday. Bond for the misdemeanor charge is set at $300.