Five Laurel men were among 19 arrested and charged with solicitation of prostitution during a reverse prostitution operation conducted Friday in Laurel by Howard County Police.

Sherry Llewellyn, a Howard County Police spokeswoman, said detectives and female officers targeted areas along Route 1.

"This operation was based on concerns of those in the community — these areas are transient areas that have a number of trucks and motels where these problems can arise," Llewellyn said.

Female plainclothes officers worked undercover on the streets. The men that approached the officers offering them money for sex were arrested.

The Howard County Police Department has successfully conducted these operations in Laurel, Jessup and Elkridge since the spring, when prostitution activity is higher, Llewellyn said.

Police spokeswoman Elizabeth Schroen said Tuesday the department has conducted three in the past month and fourth overall this year resulting in 74 arrests.

"It's certainly a deterrent," she said. "If people looking to engage in this type of activity know that we have these types of operations, they're less likely to look for it here."

Schroen said the department typically has four to five reverse prostitution operations a year.

"It's driven by information gathered by our vice and narcotics detectives as well as community tips and feedback," Schroen said.

The Laurel men arrested Friday were De Jesus Rios-Umana, 30; Michael Edward Marshall, 55; Thomas Edward Kindrock, 56; James Monroe Gunther, 33; and Timothy Winni Otugha, 29.

Other Maryland men arrested were Stefan Stan, 31, of Hyattsville; Roman Dan Gruia, 27, of Takoma Park; Riguelme Jeffery Allen Sopher, 37, of Marbury; Christopher Edward Capuano, 48, of Centerville; Michael Allen Clark, 46, of Elkridge; Jose Noe Herrera, 26, of Silver Spring; Jorge Perez Monteros, 31, of College Park, who is also charged for being in possession of false identification; Walter Ricardo Garcia, 37, of Germantown; and Fransisco Garcia Monteino, 45, of Silver Spring.

Men arrested from out of state were Patrick Lloyd Nelson, 54, of Washington, D.C.; Keith Thomas Wrightson, 32, of Worchester, Mass.; Troy Danley, 46, of Conyes, Ga.; Jose Luis Muniz-Ramirez, 30, of Manassas, Va.; and Thomas Sammie Wactor Jr., 36, of Washington, D.C.

Howard County Police will continue to conduct reverse prostitution operations periodically. Residents with tips or information can call 410-313-3200. Callers may remain anonymous.

Staff Writer Jeffrey K. Lyles contributed to this story.