VW woman arrested for soliciting sex

VW County Sheriff’s information

Van Wert County Sheriff Thomas M. Riggenbach announced the arrest of a local woman for soliciting.

Sheriff Riggenbach said Ashley N. Crawford, 25, of Van Wert was arrested for soliciting, a misdemeanor of the third degree. The arrest was the result of a short-term investigation by the West Central Ohio Crime Task Force into information provided by the Van Wert City Police Department about someone having posted an online advertisement allegedly soliciting sex.

Investigators with the West Central Ohio Crime Task Force set up an undercover operation with assistance from Van Wert County deputies. During the operation, Crawford was arrested in the 200 block of South Washington Street in Van Wert, and charged with soliciting. She was taken to the Van Wert County Correctional Facility and held until her arraignment in Van Wert Municipal Court.

Sheriff Riggenbach said the investigation into the incident is continuing to determine other people who may have also answered the advertisement. Sheriff Riggenbach is asking anyone who has any information about this incident or other incidents involving prostitution in Van Wert County call the Van Wert County Sheriff’s Office at 419.238.3866, use the “Crime Tips” link on the Sheriff’s Office website at www.vanwertcountysheriff.com, or call Van Wert County Crime Stoppers at 419.238.STOP. People having information to report can remain anonymous.

The West Central Ohio Crime Task Force is comprised of officers from the Van Wert County Sheriff’s Office, Allen County Sheriff’s Office, Lima Police Department, Paulding County Sheriff’s Office and several state and federal agencies.  The task force operates within a multi-county area to combat drugs and major crimes.