SPRINGFIELD — A collaborative law enforcement effort led to the arrest of eight men during an “Anti-John” detail conducted on May 22 in the South End neighborhood, a response to community complaints regarding open lewdness and related criminal activities.
The Springfield Police Firearms Investigation Unit, under the direction of Captain Brian Keenan, joined forces with the Massachusetts State Police High Risk Victims Unit, Massachusetts State Police Detective Unit, and Hampden County Sheriff’s Department to address the issues raised by residents.
These agencies utilized undercover officers to identify and arrest individuals attempting to purchase sexual services during the operation.
The detail, funded by the Hampden District Attorney’s Office, resulted in the following arrests for paying for sexual conduct:
– David Viger, 51, of Plymouth, New Hampshire
– Marcos Gonzalez, 52, of Windsor, Connecticut
– Santos Gonzalez, 43, of Springfield
– Devante Guthrie, 25, of Springfield
– Julius Gonzalez, 27, of Chicopee
– Luis Morales-Delgado, 37, of Springfield
– Maynor Santizo-Lopez, 37, of Springfield, who also faces charges for operating a motor vehicle with a suspended license
– Clayton Lewis, 33, of Springfield, who is additionally charged with possession with the intent to distribute a Class B drug and a Class D drug
Authorities aim to curtail the negative impact of street-level prostitution on the community, including violence and illegal drug activity, by conducting such operations.
The Springfield Police Department and its partnering agencies remain committed to improving the quality of life for local residents through proactive enforcement and community collaboration.
