Longtime Utica Area Political Staffer Fired Following Arrest for Patronizing a Prostitute

New York 22nd District Congressman Anthony Brindisi's Office says it has fired a staffer who was arrested for patronizing a prostitute, according to several media outlets.

John Stemen, 57, is facing a misdemeanor charge of patronizing a prostitute in the third degree. New York State Police say Stemen admitted that he met the woman via the internet and had agreed to pay her $200 for a 'sexual date', according to a new release from NYSP.

The alleged prostitute was 17,police said.

Brindisi spokesperson Macey Matthews has told several media outlets that Stemen was terminated immediately after they became aware of the charges.

Stemen worked as a district representative in Utica for the 22nd Congressional District of New York. Prior, he spent many years working in a similar capacity on behalf of New York State. He was also employed on Brindisi's staff when the now-congressman was a New York State Assemblyman. Stemen had held the same position as a district official working under Brindisi's predecessor, RoAnn Destito.