Two arrested in vet prostitution bust

NEW JERSEY (WABC) -- Two people have been arrested in a Craiglist prostitution bust based out of a New Jersey veterinary office.

Somerset County Prosecutor Wayne Forrest and Bedminster Chief of Police William Stephens announced on Wednesday that a two-month investigation dubbed "Operation Net-Vet Harlot" resulted in the arrest of 50-year-old Cathy Rosania and 35-year-old David Baker.

Prosecutors say Rosania was the prostitute and Baker her business manager, or pimp. The office is located in the Pluckemin section of Bedminster Township.

Authorities say the investigation began when a Bedminster detective monitoring the Internet for criminal activity found an ad on Craigslist offering erotic services in the Pluckemin/Bedminster area.

The officer responded to the ad and ultimately set up an appointment to meet with Rosania at the veterinary facility, located on Route 202-206 North in Bedminster, where Rosania was employed as a veterinary assistant.

However, the investigation later revealed that the detective was actually communicating online with Baker, who was posing as a prostitute.

On July 11, authorities say an undercover detective met with Rosania at the office. During the meeting, Rosania allegedly led the detective into a examining room and propositioned him for sex. Rosania was then arrested and charged with prostitution.

Following her arrest, the investigation revealed that she worked as a prostitute with Baker. Authorities say Baker would screen potential patron for Rosania and establish appointments in exchange for a portion of the money Rosania received.

Baker allegedly conducted this prostitution business via a computer, at times, while at work in East Hanover, New Jersey, at Novartis at 1 Health Plaza.

To further the investigation, authorities say an undercover female police officer posing as a prostitute in need of a business manager contacted Baker, who allegedly offered to recruit and screen customers for her, as well.

The officer arranged an in-person meeting with Baker Tuesday evening, at which time he was arrested and charged with promoting prostitution and conspiracy to promote prostitution.

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WEB PRODUCED BY: Bill King

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