Broome Residents Charged in Prostitution Investigation

Two men and a woman have been arrested following a two-month-long investigation into the use of underage girls for prostitution.

Authorities say the Vestal Police Department initiated the investigation in November. The state police and the Broome County District Attorney's office became involved.

Investigators say 24-year-old Larhonda James of Lewis Street, Johnson City, was arrested in November. She was charged with promoting prostitution.

Officials say the men were arrested the following month. 33-year-old Alphonso Dennis of Prospect Street, Binghamton; and 24-year-old Antonio Ballard of Livingston Street, Binghamton were charged with sex trafficking.

Police say the investigation revealed two girls under the age of 16 were being exploited for the prostitution trade.

All three suspects were sent to Broome County Jail after arraignment. Dennis now is being held at the Elmira Correctional Facility for violating parole. State records indicate he was on parole for a drug possession conviction.