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WHEELING - A prostitution sting three weeks in the making was initiated Thursday by Wheeling police, and seven men were arrested as a result of the "nuisance-control" effort.

Police Chief Kevin Gessler today said the sting operation was held from 7:30-10:30 p.m. Thursday in Center Wheeling in the area of 20th and Main streets. He said the men were arrested after allegedly offering to pay an undercover city officer for sex.

Gessler said the sting operation was an important effort because prostitution is a criminal activity commonly associated with drugs and violent crime. He said it also is a health concern. Gessler said there is an increase in such illegal activity at the start of each summer, and the Wheeling Police Department wants the public to know its officers will be looking for offenders.

"Without a doubt it's a nuisance," Gessler said. "This time of year, after Memorial Day there is warmer weather and more people active. Three weeks ago there was a meeting with the command officers. We sent out officers to pretty much make an assessment of the neighborhoods, and then we had a plan of action... It (prostitution) won't be tolerated."

Six of the seven men arrested were transported to the Northern Regional Jail. One of them was issued a citation and released. The men arrested on a charge of soliciting for prostitution included:

• Charles Leach, 61, of Moundsville

• John Miller, 38, of Beech Bottom

• Dallas Croasmun, 55, of Waynesburg, Pa.

• Gery Gruber, 57, of Wheeling

• Ronald Pattison, 69, of Wheeling and Fort Myers, Fla.

• Brian Lee Irwin, 24, of Moundsville

• Brian Lee White, 25, of Moundsville.