More on Dean Sargent’s sudden resignation as Dean of Villanova Law School, and the innuendo surrounding the decision, at Law.com…

Questions Arise After Law School Dean’s Resignation in Wake of Prostitution Investigation
by Gina Passarella

Word of Villanova Law School Dean Mark Sargent’s resignation last week was accompanied by little in the way of a pronouncement of his accomplishments or a formal press release announcing his next step.

Alumni were surprised at news of the resignation but had nothing but positive things to say about Sargent’s 12-year tenure.

Over the course of the holiday weekend, however, a different picture was painted of Sargent’s decision to step down. Reports in The Philadelphia Inquirer described Sargent’s involvement as a one-time customer of an alleged prostitution house and his subsequent cooperation with state police who were building a case against the owner of the house and two alleged prostitutes. He has not been charged with any crime and is said to have fully cooperated with investigators, according to a report by The Associated Press.

It is unclear when university officials first learned specifically of the alleged prostitution connection. Sargent’s resignation submitted to university President Peter M. Donohue cited “personal and medical” reasons — the exact language the university used in describing the seemingly abrupt resignation. But the school apparently knew that Sargent was involved in some sort of police investigation.

Just another day at Villanova University School of Law…

Ex-dean helped police, report says
By Kathleen Brady Shea

Police investigating a prostitution ring in Chester County relied on two customers, including the dean of Villanova Law School, to provide information that culminated last week in a no-contest plea by the man promoting the business, documents show.

Mark A. Sargent, who was appointed dean in 1987, resigned suddenly Monday, citing personal and medical reasons.

According to a report by the Pennsylvania State Police, Sargent was a customer at a Kennett Township house suspected as a site for prostitution when police raided it Nov. 25. He was not charged.

The Rev. Peter Donohue, the Villanova University president, was out of town yesterday and unavailable for comment, said Jonathan Gust, university spokesman.

Gust said that the university had accepted Sargent’s resignation and that he would not be returning to the faculty. He declined comment on Sargent’s involvement in the prostitution bust.

Read the whole story at The Daily Local…

DOWNINGTOWN BROTHEL BUSTED
By JENNIFER MILLER

Authorities shut down a suspected brothel Wednesday that investigators believe was operating here under the guise of a day spa.

Following a three-month investigation, the state police busted the Gold Star Spa and arrested two middle-aged women who allegedly worked for the prostitution business.

Police arrested the two women after executing search warrants at the suspected brothel Wednesday afternoon. Both women were charged with prostitution and related offenses.

Using undercover state troopers, authorities were allegedly able to determine the business was not a traditional spa, but a business where men could purchase sexual favors for $60 to $100, according to court records.

Citing code violations, borough officials shut down the brothel immediately after investigators made the arrests.

Read the whole story at The Daily Local News…

Police bust London Grove brothel
By JENNIFER MILLER

State and local police busted a prostitution business that was allegedly operating out of a home, and arrested four people who are reportedly connected to the brothel on Wednesday.

Police arrested two women for allegedly working as prostitutes under the management of another woman.

Authorities also arrested a man who was allegedly soliciting sexual favors in exchange for $25 when police raided the business operating inside the private home.

The investigation began roughly three months ago after authorities received “volumes of citizen complaints,” according to the state police Troop J Vice-Narcotics Unit.

In a prepared statement, state police said prostitutes were imported from New York and New Jersey through a coordinated prostitution network.

A Gentlemans club gets some attention from law enforcement.  Read the whole story at WSOCTV.com…

Investigators: Strip Club In Chester County Front For Prostitution

Chester County deputies plan to meet with the solicitor on Monday to pursue more charges stemming from an undercover investigation.

Undercover detectives said Moon River, a strip club near Richburg, was a front for the prostitution ring. They raided the club at about 12 a.m. Saturday.

Deputies arrested a 29-year-old dancer and charged her with prostitution.

Deputies said the club’s owner was literally caught with his pants down when investigators came in. He was charged with lewdness.

Deputies said the arrests are the result of a weeks-long investigation. “They were taking them back to what you’d call a VIP room and offering sex,” one deputy said. “At that point in time we went in and made the arrest.