Local Men Nabbed in Prostitution Sting

Two Pottstown area men were among 13 "johns" nabbed in a prostitution sting in Norristown on Nov. 2.

Norristown Patch reports that Scott Langwing, 25, of the 400 block of Cherry Street in Pottstown, and Michael Pitchford, 34, of the 500 block of Upland Street, were arrested after allegedly offering money to undercover police in exchange for sexual favors.

Pitchford allegedly offered an undercover trooper $20 for a "hand job." Langwing was arrested for allegedly offering an undercover trooper and her partner $20 for sex with both of them.

The joint operation between the Norristown and Pennsylvania State Police departments resulted in the arrests of 11 other men, ranging in age from 18 to 76. The men face charges including patronizing prostitutes, criminal solicitation and disorderly conduct. One of the alleged perpetrators is also being charged with resisting arrest.

In the sting, focused on the area of West Main and Knox streets in Norristown, two female Pennsylvania State Troopers posed as prostitutes while subjects solicited sexual acts from them for money.

According to Norristown Police Chief Russel Bono, the area was chosen because of an influx of recent complaints in that area.

"For some reason that area is a magnet for prostitutes," said Chief Bono. "We've been doing details up there since I was a patrolman and every time we go up there we wind up making dozens of arrests."

• Additional coverage: Prostitution Sting Nabs 13 'Johns' [Norristown Patch]