Police: Man Claiming Robbery Solicited Prostitute

A city man who told police he was robbed by a woman on Chestnut Street Monday morning was later arrested for soliciting her for prostitution, police said, while the woman was charged with prostitution.

Police spokeswoman Sgt. Lisa Cotto said Robert Mendez called 911 at 7:45 a.m. reporting he was in a parking lot on Chestnut Street when the woman grabbed a $20 bill out of his hand. An officer met with him and took a report.

Mendez called 911 again at 9:45 a.m. reporting he was with the woman at 17 Laura St. When officers arrived, Cotto said, Mendez and the woman were yelling at each other. They reported she was crying and had superficial cuts on her hands and face.

The woman, identified as Ariel Barfield, said Mendez had approached her on Chestnut Street and offered to pay her for a sex act. She said she told Mendez he would have to wear a condom.

Cotto said the officers reported Mendez at first said no to this, but then said he'd think about it. She said the woman denied taking Mendez' money.

The officers reported Mendez appeared to be moderately intoxicated.

Mendez, 38, of 7 Concord St., was charged with patronizing a prostitute and third-degree assault. He was given a court date of Aug. 30 and released on a promise to appear in court.

Barfield, 22, was charged with prostitution. Police did not provide her address.

She was given a court date of Aug. 30 and held on $500 bound.