Man arrested in Sallisaw prostitution sting

A man has been charged after allegedly agreeing to meet an individual for sexual acts at a Sallisaw motel on Cherokee Street, while also being in possession of marijuana.

John T. Newsom, 46, was charged on April 17 in Sequoyah County District Court after allegedly engaging in prostitution by sending details to engage in such acts. He received a $12,500 bond and is now scheduled for a May 7 arraignment with Associate District Judge Kyle Waters, according to court documents.

District 27 Drug & Violent Crime Task Force Agent Travis Saulsberry reported on April 14 that he was conducting a human trafficking operation, targeting men who solicit prostitution in the Sallisaw area.

Saulsberry said an ad was placed on skipthegames. com by Skull Games, a counter-sex trafficking organi- zation assisting with the operation, which provided an undercover phone number to text to engage in the acts.

A text message was later received from a man, identified as Newsom. While texting with Newsom, Saulsberry, posing as a woman, said Newsom was provided fees and the amount of time for services.

According to the probable cause affidavit, Newsom stated “he was good for 15 minutes,” and that he would text back when he was in Sallisaw. He then asked the female (Saulsberry) if she would instead accept $100 cash and marijuana, to which the female agreed.

When Newsom arrived at the motel on Cherokee Street and knocked on the room door, he was taken into custody. A text message was then sent to his phone, confirming he was the male in communication with the ad. Agents also confirmed Newsom had the amount of money and marijuana necessary to engage in the acts.

According to the affidavit, the motel was found to be located within 1,000 feet of Eastside Elementary School, as well as a church, which was located about one block from the motel.

District Attorney Jack Thorp said if found guilty of his charges, Newsom could face up to five years imprisonment and a fine of more than $20,000.