Five men charged with soliciting prostitution in west Ala.

TUSCALOOSA COUNTY, Ala. (WBRC) – Investigators with the West Alabama Human Trafficking Task Force have charged five men, including a high school teacher in Tuscaloosa County, with soliciting prostitution.

Investigators say each of the suspects responded to commercial sex ads posted online and arranged to meet a woman and pay for sex. The men were arrested after arriving at a Tuscaloosa County hotel and giving money to an undercover officer.

The following people were charged with solicitation of prostitution:

David Tillet, 49, of Tuscaloosa
John William Godfrey III, 40, of Cottondale
Christopher Shan Hinkle, 56, of Camp Hill
Joshua Vasha Samuel, 29, of Tuscaloosa
Lawrence Eric Stephens, 43, of Tuscaloosa

Tillet was arrested on Friday, November 1, while the other suspects were arrested on Saturday, November 2.

Investigators say the men were transported to the Tuscaloosa County Jail with bail set at $300 each.

Tuscaloosa police say Stephens is a teacher at Duncanville Middle School. Tuscaloosa County school leaders released the following statement to families, staff and the media:

Duncanville middle families, faculty and staff,

We want to make you aware of some information you are likely to hear about in news reports or on social media. Last weekend, Duncanville Middle School faculty member Eric Stephens was arrested and charged with solicitation of prostitution. The charges are not related to what happened at the school and do not involve a minor.

Due to privacy legislation, we are limited in what we can share about personnel-related matters. However, we can inform you that Mr. Stephens has been placed on administrative leave and will not be on the Duncanville Middle campus. Any further information regarding the charges against Mr. Stephens should be provided by the Tuscaloosa Police Department as this is a law enforcement investigation.

The Tuscaloosa County School System has high expectations for all teachers and staff. We expect our employees to behave professionally and with honor. Please know that TCSS takes all reports of abuse – both by employees and students – seriously. The safety and well-being of students is our first priority at all times.

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact Ms. Primm or the Superintendent’s office directly.

Capt. Phil Simpson of the Tuscaloosa Police Department and the West Alabama Human Trafficking Task Force said the charges are felonies, but added that the so-called “Johns” don’t realize the harm to them is much deeper and goes beyond what is legal is possible.

“And then you add the venereal disease and everything they bring home to their families without knowing about it, and it becomes a physical problem for the rest of the family. Furthermore, it harms the ‘Johns’ ability to have a normal, loving relationship with another human being,” said Captain Simpson.

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