UPDATE | Arraignments for women caught in prostitution sting

YOUNGSTOWN — Three women were arraigned today on solicitation charges after a police sting Thursday in the area of Hillman Street and Oak Hill Avenue.

Arraigned were Amanda Geiger, 36, of South Hazelwood Avenue, who was arrested about 12:20 p.m. at West Warren and Glenwood avenues; Latoya Griffin, 33, of West Delason Avenue, who was arrested about 4 p.m. at Hillman Street and Breaden Avenue; and Brittney Watson, 31, of Euclid Boulevard, who was arrested about 5:45 p.m. at Marion Avenue and Market Street.

All 3 of the arraigned women pleaded not guilty. Watson's next court date is Oct 20 and Griffin's next court date is Oct 17.

Two other women arrested in the prostitution sting – Heather Marvola, 30, and Phillisa Patton, 27 – did not show up for the arraignment.

Issued a citation on a prostitution charge, Patton of West Indianola Avenue, was cited about 4:15 p.m. at Market Street and West Warren Avenue. Maravola of West Chalmers Avenue was arrested at Market Street and Chicago Avenue.

A male who was arrested in relation to the sting was questioned and released by police.

Police Chief Robin Lees said complaints from city council members led to the sting. Lees said complaints of prostitution in the area had been increasing in recent weeks.