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Man arrested on prostitution charge involving a minor

MARIETTA — Joe Eugene Robinson, 47, of 4570 Laurel Ridge Road, Lowell, was arrested Tuesday on a charge of compelling prostitution, said Washington County Sheriff’s Office.

On May 23, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office’s Detective Bureau began an investigation into possible compelling prostitution involving a minor, according to a press release.

Detectives obtained information that Joe Robinson was allegedly attempting to pay a juvenile $100 cash (four separate occasions) during December 2018, the release states. The juvenile felt the money meant the subject wanted something sexual in return, officials said. Robinson at one point allegedly placed a $100 bill with “pretty please” written on it on a nurse’s outfit. The juvenile stated the outfit was not worn and no sexual encounter occurred, officials said.

The release stated that on July 16 at 9:47 a.m. Robinson allegedly made contact with the juvenile asking if they needed money, and how much they needed. Robinson replied that the amount depended on what they wanted to do, and how much money they needed, officials said.

Robinson allegedly advised that he wanted to start with $100 and wanted them to reply back telling him what they would do. Robinson allegedly was advised that $400 was needed and they asked what they had to do, with Robinson replying “everything.” Robinson further requested photographs from the juvenile, the release said.

The release said Robinson set a meeting location for Lowell Elementary School at 12:30 p.m. Robinson advised the juvenile that he wanted to see “that body,” and other explicit comments allegedly were made to them.

Washington County Sheriff’s Office Detective Lt. Lockhart and Detective Sgt. Smeeks set up surveillance and at approximately 12:30 p.m. Tuesday observed Joe Robinson drive past the school alone. Surveillance continued observing Robinson looking for the juvenile around the school building, the release stated.

Detectives approached Robinson’s vehicle in an unmarked cruiser and made contact with Robinson. Robinson was advised to exit the vehicle and was read his Miranda Rights, which Robinson stated he understood, the release stated.

Robinson allegedly admitted withdrawing $400 and was there to meet a juvenile. Robinson also allegedly admitted to the conversations and knew the meeting was going to be for sexual favors, the release stated.

Robinson was placed under arrest and transported to the Washington County Jail where he remained incarcerated pending his appearance in Marietta Municipal Court today.

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