Rockford Police Target Internet Prostitution, Arrest Seven

Rockford Police made seven arrests Dec. 10 after conducting an undercover operation targeting internet-based prostitution.

According to the department, officers created a fictitious advertisement for prostitution on the internet. A press release from the department states the ad "generated a significant number of contacts with men seeking to engage in prostitution."

Arrested on charges of soliciting a prostitute were Somchith K. Inthabandith, 45, of Machesney Park; Joshua R. Calhoun, 23, of Rockford; Hung M. Nguyen, 33, of Rockford; Nikola Kuljanin, 33, of Rockford; Ryan C. Degutis, 31, of Durand and John M. Bedin, 43, of Rockford. Arrested and charged with solicitation of a prostitute and resisting arrest was Jack Patel, 48, of Caledonia.

According to court records, Kuljanin's case was dismissed on May 13.

The department also impounded seven vehicles in connection with the arrests.