Update: 10 Men Arrested In Two Augusta Recreational Areas For Soliciting Sex

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Update: 10 Men Arrested In Two Augusta Recreational Areas For Soliciting Sex

By Navideh Forghani nforghani@nbcaugusta.com

Investigators say recreational areas in Augusta are safe. But Richmond County Investigators will continue to keep a close watch on any unusual activity after arresting and charging ten men with soliciting undercover officers for sex.

Pendleton King Park and The Augusta Canal are both places used by many for recreational activities, but investigators say others were using the places for sex.

"You see a lot of hikers. A lot of families. It's not a problem. You see single people. It's a family friendly place," said Arthur Vandelay, Park Patron.

Richmond County's Vice Division and Crime Suppression Team spent weeks scooping out these places after getting complaints about men having sex in broad daylight.

For the past 20 years Arthur Vandelay worked out at the canal.

"I've seen peculiar activity that I thought was drug related. You would see single men in the woods usually by themselves. They would look back and forth like they were expecting someone," said Vandelay.

And investigators say they were expecting someone. Thursday, officers arrested two men at the Augusta Canal and eight at Pendleton King Park.

NBC Augusta obtained pictures of what investigators are calling a sex camp at the Augusta Canal. They found condoms, lubricants, and pornographic images.

Evidence is still at Pendleton King Park. Friday we found used condoms and open wrappers scattered throughout the park.

People who use these areas for recreation say they're shocked to find out this was going on.

"It just goes to show how naive I was. I thought it was a party thing then a sex thing. It's very surprising," said Vandelay.

"Given there was some much attention brought to it. I wouldn't think people would try it when they know people expect them to do that," said John Rose, Park Patron.

A Pendleton King Park board member says they're working on a master plan to improve safety. They plan to light up more of the walkways so it's safer for everyone and landscape the gardens.

Wednesday, Feb 13 at 1:28 PM BACKYARD SMOKER wrote ...

I SMOKE IN MY BACK YARD, DON'T HAVE TO GO THOSE HANG OUTS TO SMOKE, HE KNOWS WHAT HANGS OUT THERE AND HE WAS THERE FOR A REASON, THE SAME THING THE OTHERS WERE LOOKING FOR. SHAME BUT TRUE.

Wednesday, Feb 13 at 1:23 PM BACKYARD SMOKER wrote ...

YOU CAN RELAX ON A BEAUTIFULE DAY, BUT IT DOESN'T HAVE TO BE WHERE THESE TYPES OF THINGS GO ON, WHY WOULD HE CHOOSE TO GO THERE AND RELAX AROUND THOSE TYPES OF PEOPLE - HUH?

Wednesday, Feb 13 at 10:06 AM Anonymous wrote ...

WE WANT TO SEE THE PICTURE OF THE TENTH MAN THAT WAS ARRESTED... WHY IS HE NOT BEING SHOWN TO THE WORLD??

Sunday, Feb 10 at 3:08 PM James wrote ...

It is a good thing that these people were at the wrong place at the wrong time.

Saturday, Feb 9 at 9:09 PM Anonymous wrote ...

I know one man personally that the cops charged with disorderly conduct, but the paper keeps saying he was charged with soliciting a cop. I think people need to get there story straight. This man is a great father,husband, brother, brother in law, and uncle. It is a shame that you can't go somewhere and relax on a beautiful day. It is a shame that you can't trust anyone. Peoples names are being slandered, just b/c they were in the wrong place and the wrong time.

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