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Nemacolin woman guilty of prostitution

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WAYNESBURG – A Nemacolin woman charged with operating a prostitution ring will serve 3 to 6 years in a state correctional facility.

Christina Marie Colina, 23, of 363 Sherman Ave., pleaded guilty in Greene County Court Dec. 11 to charges of criminal conspiracy to promote prostitution, inducing another to become a prostitute, two counts of promoting prostitution and other prostitution-related offenses.

Charges of promoting prostitution of a minor, unlawful contact with a minor and two counts of corruption of minors were withdrawn.

On May 23, a state police trooper was contacted via text messaging by Colina with an offer to exchange money for sex. It was not made clear in the affidavit how Colina obtained the number of the trooper or if she was aware of to whom she was speaking in the text messages.

Colina stated a price and sent the officer images of herself, an unnamed underage female, and Kimberly Ann Jones, 24, of 437 Sheriden Ave., Nemacolin. The officer was advised of what they were willing to do for the money and was asked to provide condoms and $10 for the person who drove the women to the hotel.

The officer agreed to the terms and arranged to meet Colina, Jones and the girl at the Econo Lodge in Waynesburg. He and another trooper secured a room and waited for them to arrive while other law enforcement officials provided surveillance and acted as arresting officers.

Upon entering the room, Colina immediately asked for the $10 to pay for her ride’s gasoline, police said. She said the rest of the money would be collected upon completion of business. The $10 was handed to the girl who left the room to pay the driver, identified as Thomas William Simpkins, III, of 165 Wood Ave., Nemacolin. The arresting officers then entered the room and took Colina and Jones into custody. The minor was taken into custody and found to be in possession of the $10 bill, according to the criminal complaint.

Police said Simpkins provided a written statement indicating he was aware of the trio’s intent to engage in prostitution and he was charging them the money in exchange for a ride to the hotel. Simpkins is charged with one count of promoting prostitution and transporting prostitution. He is schedule to appear in plea court at 9 a.m. Jan. 8.

Jones pleaded guilty earlier this month to a charge of prostitution and related offenses. She was sentenced by Toothman to six days to 12 months in jail with credit for time served of six days. Jones was ordered to have no contact with Colina and to undergo a home inspection for purposes of Greene County Human Services determining whether to supply a helper for the defendant. It was not defined in the courts orders what the purpose of the helper would be. Fines were waived for Jones. She must complete 50 hours of community service.

In addition to the prostitution-related charges against Colina, she pleaded guilty last week to unrelated thefts that took place on two separate dates.

On Nov. 4, Colina and another person entered the Dollar General store in Cumberland Township. Colina placed items into her purse valued at $34.68 and exited the store. They then went into the Brodak’s Shop ‘n Save in the same plaza where Colina put a package of chicken, soup and potato logs into her purse, valued at $32.50, before exiting without paying for the items. She was ordered to pay restitution totaling $67.18.

The court has found Colina eligible for the state’s Recidivism Risk Reduction Incentive Program. Under RRRI, eligible, non-violent offenders may have their minimum sentences reduced if they complete recommended programs and remain misconduct free during their incarceration. If approved for RRRI, Colina would be eligible for parole after 27 months if she follows the guidelines.

She was taken into custody by Greene County Sheriff’s deputies for transport to SCI- Muncy for classification.

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