MINEOLA, N.Y. (AP) — A Long Island prosecutor is allowing men arrested in a highly publicized prostitution sting to have their charges reduced if they complete an educational program and community service.
Nassau County District Attorney Kathleen Rice said Wednesday men charged in last year’s “Flush the Johns” sting would see misdemeanors that carried the possibility of a year in jail downgraded to a disorderly conduct violation.
The program covers the impact demand for prostitution has on human trafficking and child sexual abuse. Suspects must perform 35 hours of community service.
Rice announced the sting last year and released the names of 104 men she says were videotaped propositioning an undercover detective.
She says suspects whose cases are pending or who have pleaded guilty to the highest count are eligible for the reduced charge.
