New Jersey man charged in Columbiana County prostitution sting

A New Jersey man spent part of the long Memorial Day weekend in the Columbiana County Jail after being arrested Sunday in a prostitution sting, authorities said.

Tyler N. Garner, 31, of Egg Harbor, New Jersey, was arrested by the Mahoning Valley Human Trafficking Task Force and charged with engaging in prostitution and possessing criminal tools, according to court records. He pleaded not guilty to both misdemeanor charges Tuesday in Columbiana County Municipal Court.

According to an affidavit, detectives posted an undercover advertisement on a known prostitution website. Garner allegedly responded to the ad and arranged to pay via Cash App for sexual activity. He was arrested at the meeting location in East Palestine, where officers found his cellphone, which was used to arrange the alleged act.

Garner was being held on a $1,500 bond. His next court appearance is scheduled for Aug. 11.