Incident Number: 50-24-24751/24575/24779
Date/Time: Wednesday, July 10th, 2024
Location: Downtown Dover Area
Contact: Dover Police Department Public Information Officer
Master Corporal Ryan Schmid Email: Ryan.Schmid@cj.state.de.us
Narrative:
In recent months, the Dover Police Department has received several complaints regarding quality-of-life concerns in the downtown area, including prostitution. The Dover Police Department has been actively exploring strategies that will help address all of the concerns, including measure to deter patronage. Patronizing or soliciting the services of a prostitute is a crime punishable by law, and both the police and the Delaware Department of Justice are cracking down on offenders in Dover and throughout the State.
On July 10th, 2024, the Dover Police Department, in collaboration with the Delaware Department of Justice, conducted an operation specifically targeting prostitution in the downtown area. As a result of the operation, the following individuals were arrested and charged:
Jerel Custis,38, of Dover, DE
-Patronizing a Prostitute within 1000 feet of a church
-Conspiracy in the 3rd Degree
Kyree Custis, 33, of Dover, DE
-Patronizing a Prostitute within 1000 feet of a church
-Conspiracy in the 3rd Degree
-Possession of Cocaine (0.4 grams)
-Possession of Drug paraphernalia
Charles Mosley, 55, of Dover, DE
-Patronizing a Prostitute within 1000 feet of a church
Gabriel Zamora-Chapul, 29, of Dover, DE
-Patronizing a Prostitute within 1000 feet of a church
“To those who solicit prostitution, you have been put on notice,” said Attorney General Kathy Jennings. “I am grateful to our team and the Dover Police Department for this great work. We will continue to do everything in our power to protect the quality-of-life of citizens and businesses in Dover and across Delaware”
Chief Johnson echoed his appreciation to the team that conducted the operation and also offered: “This operation is a small but significant step towards enhancing the safety of our downtown area. We appreciate the ongoing support of our residents, business owners, and local legislators. We will continue to explore strategies that effectively address all quality-of-life concerns that challenge the health of the community.”
All individuals charged were released on their own recognizance pending a future court date. They are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
