Off-Duty Phoenix Officer, 14 Others Arrested In Prostitution Sting

Fifteen men, including an off-duty Phoenix police officer, were arrested in an undercover prostitution sting operation conducted by the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office Strike Team, officials said.

The operation took place between Aug. 25 and Aug. 29 on Montana and Alameda avenues.

Authorities said the operation was conducted in response to continued resident and business complaints of prostitution activity.

According to an arrest affidavit, Deputy M. Esparza, who was working undercover as a prostitute, was approached by Sheldon Alexander Czegledi about 11:30 p.m. Friday on the 5700 block of Montana. Records show that Czegledi offered the deputy $45 to have sex at the Glenwood Motel on the 5700 block of Alameda. Deputies said Czegledi drove to the motel and gave Esparza $5 as deposit, saying he would return. Deputies in a marked then pulled over Czegledi, who was arrested on suspicion of prostitution.

Sgt. Tommy Thompson, a public information officer with the Phoenix Police Department, confirmed that Czegledi is a 13-year veteran of the Phoenix Police Department. Officials said Czegledi is on desk duty

For security purposes, sheriff’s officials would not disclose further details, including the number of deputies deployed and decoys used during the operation.