Johns get their day in court. Charges withdrawn

Most of the charges against 20 alleged "johns" named by City Police after a prostitution crackdown this past August have been withdrawn.

The Sault Star is reporting that the accused men, charged with communicating for the purpose of procuring sexual services, were given the option of making a charitable donation.

Fifteen of the 20 accused provided the court with receipts yesterday indicating they'd made contributions, after which charges against them were withdrawn.

Charges against the remaining five will be withdrawn once receipts are provided confirming their charitable donations.

Defense attorney Bruce Willson told the Star that by naming the accused men, the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service demonstrated callousness and spitefulness.

Willson believes the local police should review its policy of releasing names of accused individuals to the public.

Inspector Art Pluss told the newspaper that the johns were afforded "no more special consideration than any other person charged with an offence."

Earlier SooToday.com coverage of this story

Undercover cops nab 20 alleged johns (names released)