Cambridge, MD - In a conscious effort to uphold law and order within its jurisdiction, the Cambridge Police Department launched an operation on March 5, 2024, targeting prostitution within the City limits of Cambridge, Maryland. The covert operation saw officers infiltrating various neighborhoods, which led to the apprehension of several individuals tied to the act. 

Those nabbed during the operation include Abner Sergio Vicente Diaz, 21, Marvin Osvaldo Diaz Romero, 30, from Silver Spring, MD, and Steven Lavern Johnson, 49, from Cambridge, MD. The trio was taken into custody and is expected to be charged with prostitution.

Prostitution remains a crime in the state of Maryland, under the Criminal Law Section 11-306. Engaging in the act means offering or engaging in sexual conduct in exchange for money or goods. Violations can result in imprisonment, fines, or both.

The reason for the criminalization of prostitution lies in the potential harm and exploitation that it often brings. The illegal trade frequently witnesses severe exploitation of individuals, many of whom are usually forced into the practice due to dire financial circumstances. Moreover, it also accompanies various other criminal activities, such as human trafficking, drug abuse, and violent crime. 

The Cambridge Police Department's recent operation is part of a broader effort to uphold the law and protect its citizens from the negative impacts of such activities.