Prostitution Charges Dropped Against Pennsylvania Pastor

FREDERICK, Md. (AP) -- Prosecutors are dropping charges against a Presbyterian minister from York, Pennsylvania, who was arrested in August in a prostitution sting in Maryland.

The three charges, including knowingly soliciting prostitution, were dismissed Thursday in Frederick County District Court in Frederick.

Attorney Seth Okin represented the Rev. Suler Acosta. Okin says the sting run by the Frederick County Sheriff's Office amounted to entrapment by enticing people to commit crimes.

Frederick County State's Attorney Charlie Smith didn't immediately respond to a phone call and email from The Associated Press.

The sheriff's office said Acosta was among seven men who responded to an online advertisement by going to meet a female deputy posing as a prostitute.

Acosta was pastor of the City Church York. The church placed him on administrative leave after his arrest.