By Jim Clark

An ongoing sting operation run by the Somerville Police Department Drug/Vice Control Unit has been focused on prostitution activity in the area. By searching through classified advertisements, investigators make contact with suspected offenders.

One such incident occurred last Wednesday when a meeting was set up after responding to an ad offering sexual services for a fee.

While speaking on the phone to the suspect, Camilla Gomes, 26, the investigating officer was quoted a fee of $120 for sexual services, and was further instructed to contact her again by phone when he arrived at a Pearl Street residence, according to police.

When the officer arrived at Gomes’ residence he was reportedly let inside and instructed to place the money on a table, as the Gomes undressed, police said.

On a pre-arranged signal, backup officers entered the residence and placed Gomes under arrest on charges of sexual conduct for a fee, police said.

A subsequent search of the premises found a man, Jose Neto, 37, attempting to hide in an adjoining room, according to police. Gomes reportedly stated that Neto was helping her by putting notices on Web sites, advertising her services. A computer and written records indicating a history of such transactions was found on the premises, according to police. Neto was also arrested and charged with deriving support from prostitution.