Local prostitution linked to gas drilling industry
Three women arrested in Horseheads after police sting
11:16 PM, Feb. 20, 2012
Written by
Jeff Murray
The natural gas boom apparently has brought an unwelcome corollary business to the area -- prostitution.
Police over the weekend arrested three women at motels in Horseheads and charged them with prostitution following an undercover investigation involving Horseheads police, the Chemung County Sheriff's Office, the state police community narcotics enforcement unit and the Broome County special investigations unit.
Charged were Page Kirshblum, 20, and Angela D. Turner, 24, both of Rochester, who were arrested at the Motel 6, and Nicole A. Kuzmin, 24, of East Islip, N.Y., who was arrested at the Red Carpet Inn.
The emergence of prostitution in this region is probably connected at least in part to the influx of workers as a result of natural gas drilling and exploration, said Horseheads police Sgt. David Murray.
"One of the prostitutes we interviewed said a significant portion of her clientele works for the gas industry," Murray said.
Murray didn't indicate if more arrests are pending, but he said the investigation is continuing.
Prostitution often brings with it related crimes such as the use and sale of drugs, robbery and assault, police said.
Kirshblum, Turner and Kuzmin were arraigned in Village of Horseheads Court and were committed to the Chemung County Jail in lieu of $500 cash bail.
http://www.stargazette.com/article/20120...xt|Local%20News 
