New Haven Prostitution Sting Nabs Two Hamden Women

A sting conducted by a New Haven Police Department unit in that city lead to the arrest of seven people Wednesday night including two from Hamden.

Tamyra Sellers, 37, of 409 Mill Rock Rd., and Tonya Riddle, 43, of 1730 State St, each was charged with prostitution as a result of the sting, according to New Haven police.

The Street Interdiction Unit conducted the prostitution sting last night in the Upper Chapel/Norton/Winthrop neighborhood, according to Lt. Jeff Hoffman. 

"In each case, the subject, who was walking the street, agreed to perform a sex act in exchange for money," said Hoffman, who is in charge of the Street Interdiction Unit.

A total of five women and two men were arrested as a result of the sting, police said.

 “This type of behavior is unacceptable and remains a top priority to enhance the quality of life in our city,” New Haven Police Chief Frank Limon said.

Also charged with prostitution was:

• Shanita Armour, 30. of  280 Wintrhop Ave;
• Shayne McArdle , 25, of 988 George St;
• Cletus Belton, 31, of 358 Edgewood Ave;
• Cynthia Potucek, 50, of 168 West Spring St., West Haven; and
• Karen Gaskin, 46, of 1235 Ella T Grasso Blvd.