Fall River Police Vice Unit make several arrests for prostitution, drugs

On Tuesday, January 16^th at approximately 10:30 a.m., Fall River Police Department Vice and Intelligence Detective James Elumba was on patrol in the area of Quequechan and Pleasant Streets when he observed a female on the corner staring at him as he passed. He went around the block and as he passed a second time, the female smiled and nodded. Believing the female was engaging in prostitution, he pulled his vehicle over approximately 40 feet away. As he sat there he observed the female approach his vehicle uninvited and begin to speak to him through the window. During the conversation, the females offered to perform oral sex for $40. Detective Elumba told the female he needed to get money and would be right back. He drove away, notified Detective Athanasios Parousis to meet him and they returned to find the female on Massasoit Street where she was placed under arrest.

The female, Jessica A. Doherty, 32 was placed under arrest and transported to the station. At the station, twenty-six 60 mg, Atomoxetine pills were found in her possession for which she had no valid prescription. Doherty was charged with Sexual Conduct for a Fee and possession of a Class E substance.

On Wednesday, January 17th at approximately 2:30 p.m., Fall River Police Department Vice and Intelligence Detective James Elumba was on patrol in the area of Durfee Street when he observed a female walking. As he passed, the female smiled and waved. Detective Elumba recognized the female from past prostitution encounters. Believing she was engaging in prostitution, he pulled his car over about thirty feet from where she was walking. The female walked up to the car window uninvited and engaged in conversation. During this conversation, she offered to give oral sex for $20. Detective Elumba told the female he didn’t have the money and drove off. Detective Elumba notified Detective Athanasios Parousis and they returned to the area where they observed the female enter the passenger side of another motor vehicle. A male entered the driver’s side. The male was recognized as a male who had been arrested for paying for sexual conduct.

The detectives followed the vehicle until it stopped on Locust Street. They observed the male exit the driver’s side and enter the rear passenger side. The detectives approached the vehicle, knocked and announced their presence. The male and female exited the vehicle. When questioned, the male admitted to giving the female $20 for oral sex. The female denied making any such statement. Inside her purse were hypodermic needles, 2 sublingual Suboxone films and one Buprenorphine/Naloxone pill as well as the $20 bill.

Both were placed under arrest.

Rachel L. Zani, 34 was charged with two counts of Sexual Conduct for a Fee and two counts of Possession of a Class B Substance.

David R. Turcotte, 53 was charged with Sexual Conduct for a Fee.