Boutique Suspected as Front for Prostitution
A North Hollywood man who allegedly used his clothing boutique as a front for a prostitution ring has been arrested along with a prostitute, police said Friday.
George Harold Mercer, 40, and Sherrie Capuano, 37, were arrested Thursday night in the 10900 block of Vanowen Street, after an undercover officer was propositioned by Capuano, Sgt. Chuck Wampler said.
The arrests followed a series of complaints from nearby merchants and residents that Mercer was using his store, Harold’s Gift Boutique, to sell sex. The boutique is located near an adult bookstore.
“It appears that the boutique was opened to prey on the patrons of the bookstore,” Wampler said. “As patrons left the bookstore they would be approached by the male proprietor of the business, and or a female, and solicited for an act of prostitution.”
Mercer opened the store last week and police began receiving calls shortly afterward.
Mercer, who was on parole, was held without bail at the North Hollywood police station on suspicion of pandering. Capuano was arrested on suspicion of prostitution but was released.
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