Craigslist Ad Leads to Arrest of Fort Drum Soldier, Others

Those behind a website that facilitates the conveyance of property and personal items may not be aware of just how personal some of the items offered have become.

Six people are now facing charges after allegedly using Craigslist to solicit prostitution.

According to a written release, officials with the New York State Police say that they had received two separate complaints stemming from an advertisement placed on the site.

Authorities say their investigation determined that the online site "...was being unlawfully used for soliciting men for sex, in exchange for money, drugs, and cigarettes" at a property on County Route 60 in Newton Falls, New York.

Troopers, along with the St. Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office Drug Task Force, say two women, Alyssa Flores and Kayla Iser, would allegedly "...lure the men to their residence by using the Craigslist advertisement, which indicated they were looking to meet men. Once the advertisement was answered, Flores and Iser would work together, sending text messages and emails to the men of pornographic photos of themselves. Once the men were at the residence, sex would be exchanged for money, drugs, or cigarettes. Flores would negotiate the exchange and accept the money, and Iser would perform the sexual act. While Iser was performing the sexual act, Flores would have male members of the household enter the room where the act was being performed and run the men off by means of intimidation."

A soldier at Fort Drum, Sergeant Aaron Meredith, is also alleged to have been involved.

Three others, Deandre L. Croker, Tyler A. Strathmann, and Garrett N. Strathman, were also arrested by troopers.

The following charges are pending:

Deandre L. Croker (18 years old; Newton Falls, New York)

conspiracy (sixth degree, two counts)

Alyssa Flores (25 years old; Newton Falls, New York)

conspiracy (sixth degree, two counts)

Kayla M. Iser (26 years old; Newton Falls, New York):

prostitution (three counts)
conspiracy (sixth degree, two counts)
criminal possession of stolen property (fifth degree, one count)

Aaron Meredith (44 years old; Fort Drum, New York):

patronizing a prostitute (third degree)
providing a false written statement

Garrett N. Strathmann (19 years old; Newton Falls, New York)

conspiracy (sixth degree, two counts)

Tyler A. Strathmann (20 years old; Newton Falls, New York):

conspiracy (sixth degree, two counts)

All suspects are innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

All were issued appearance tickets for future court experiences with the exception of Kayla Iser, who is being held at the St. Lawrence County Correctional Facility in lieu of bail/bond.

[EDITOR'S NOTE: The spelling of "Strathmann" is being confirmed.]