Authorities in suburban N.Y. arrested 104 suspected Johns in prostitution sting

(CBS/AP) MINEOLA, N.Y. - A suburban New York prosecutor has released the names of 104 men suspected of propositioning prostitutes who turned out to be undercover police officers. 

An attorney for some of those arrested says he's considering a court fight, even though the names and mug shots have now been made public.

Defense attorney Brian Griffin successfully fought a 2008 initiative that publicized arrests of suspected drunken drivers. He said he is studying a similar challenge.

Nassau County District Attorney Kathleen Rice says the arrests came between April 18 and May 24.

CBS New York reports the operation dubbed as "flush the Johns" identified suspects who are doctors, dentists, several lawyers, engineers, college professors, college students, a teacher, a stock broker and a car salesman.

The station reports that the suspects responded an online ad for escort services and then went to a local hotel or motel. They were reportedly arrested after trying to pay undercover detectives posing as prostitutes for sex.

According to the station, in the last decade only 40 Johns were arrested in Nassau County. The 104 men arrested in this operation are part of the largest suspected John bust in the county's history.

Rice reportedly offered a warning to other would-be-Johns, saying, "Stop. You're going to be caught and your mug shot could end up right like these men." She added, "Sex trafficking is horrific and the johns who patronize prostitutes create the demand."

All the defendants have pleaded not guilty to misdemeanors. Each faces up to one year in jail if convicted.