Woman, 25, faces charges in Austintown prostitution sting

AUSTINTOWN — Township police arrested a woman in a prostitution sting operation Wednesday.

Officers responded to an ad listed in the massage section of an online classified site that read "I'm offering massages of all types."

A person responding and identifying herself as "Sarah" offered services ranging from $80 to $120. The person arranged to meet in the 800 block of Meridian Road after telling officers hotels were too risky.

Officers were met by Candace Slusher, 25, of Niles, who was placed under arrest. A male who was driving the car was released after officers determined he had no knowledge of Slusher being engaged in prostitution.

Slusher told police she participated in prostitution because she is unemployed. She also said she is a recovering heroin addict. Officers found more than 600 postings on the online classified site using her phone number or poster ID.

Slusher was charged with solicting sex and possession of criminal tools. She will appear in Mahoning County Area Court here Monday.