By Andy Kozlowski
C & G Staff Writer

MADISON HEIGHTS — The Special Investigations Unit of the Madison Heights Police Department made three arrests in an undercover sting for prostitution at the Red Roof Inn, located at 32511 Concord, Feb. 15.

Jenny Lynn Demello, 31, of Warren and Kelly Marie Smith, 45, of Center Line were both arraigned Feb. 24 in Madison Heights 43rd District Court before Magistrate Kimberly Wilson.

Demello is charged with accepting a prostitute’s earnings, a 20-year felony, and had her bond set at $2,500. Smith is charged with transporting a prostitute, also a 20-year felony, and had her bond set at $5,500. Both are charged with possession of marijuana, a one-year misdemeanor.

Police said the investigation began when the SIU responded to an ad on backpage.com for an escort named Starr. Police scheduled an appointment with the 19-year-old Clinton Township girl. When one of the officers met with her in a room at the hotel, she agreed to have sex for money and was arrested for prostitution.

Before the arrest went down, police conducting surveillance noted Demello exiting the room shortly before the appointment, talking to the 19-year-old by phone. Officers escorted her back to the room, where she immediately criticized the 19-year-old for the way she accepted money.

Further questioning allegedly revealed that Demello was facilitating the 19-year-old’s services, providing guidance on being a prostitute and advertising her with photos online, all in exchange for a quarter of the illegal earnings.

When Demello’s phone repeatedly rang while she was being questioned, officers established a link to another suspect on the scene. Smith had been observed talking on a phone in her car outside. Interviews revealed she also was in on the prostitution ring and had brought an 18-year-old Roseville girl. Smith was then arrested.

Marijuana was also seized from the crime scene.

As for the 18-year-old, who was in another room, “There are no charges against her,” said Lt. Robert Anderson. “She admitted to being there for that reason (prostitution), but she had not committed a crime,” noting the difference being she hadn’t accepted money.

The 18-year-old was released, while the 19-year-old will turn herself in once a warrant is obtained. According to police, neither teen had much experience as a prostitute.

“We hope that after this incident they may rethink their choices and find a legitimate line of work,” Anderson said in a prepared statement. “The girls identified as prostitutes in this case were not considered juveniles by law, but are awfully young to be engaging in such a dangerous activity as prostitution.”

Then, in a later interview: “I don’t think they know what they’re getting into, but I think it’s the thought of fast cash that seems lucrative to them,” Anderson said. “Some lost innocence there.”

The SIU works together with the Southeast Michigan Crimes Against Children Task Force (SEMCAC), a multi-jurisdictional agency that investigates individuals involved in the exploitation of children. In 2009, while working with SEMCAC, SIU helped recover more than 60 juveniles from prostitution.

“A lot of cities, during budget cuts, would consider an undercover team a luxury, but it’s really a necessity,” Anderson said. “We utilize SIU for multiple reasons. They help us with numerous investigations, and also undercover operations we wouldn’t be able to do in uniform. Last year, they were credited with over 200 arrests, all related to undercover operations.”

A preliminary exam for Demello and Smith was scheduled for 8 a.m. Feb. 24, but they waived it, and it was rescheduled for March 24.