Nine men were arrested Tuesday during an undercover operation targeting individuals who police say came to Lewiston looking to engage people for prostitution.
The Lewiston Police Department said the June 9, 2026, operation was conducted with assistance from Homeland Security Investigations and the Androscoggin County District Attorney’s Office.
All nine men were charged with engaging a person for prostitution, a Class E crime. They were transported to the Androscoggin County Jail for processing.
Those arrested were identified as:
Hernriques Dianzenza, 36, of Lewiston, charged with engaging a person for prostitution.
Roland Raubeson, 74, of Minot, charged with engaging a person for prostitution.
Ryan Blais, 36, of Auburn, charged with engaging a person for prostitution.
Preston Williams, 49, of Lewiston, charged with engaging a person for prostitution and held on a probation hold.
Jeffrey Sirois, 31, of Sabattus, charged with engaging a person for prostitution.
Jose Lopez-Alcantara, 30, of New York, charged with engaging a person for prostitution.
John Palmer, 64, of Poland, charged with engaging a person for prostitution.
Remy Juma, 32, of Lewiston, charged with engaging a person for prostitution.
Raymond Brule, 83, of Greene, charged with engaging a person for prostitution.
The arrests mark another blow to Lewiston’s public image as the city continues to face concerns over crime, drugs, and gun violence.
City leaders, including Mayor Carl Sheline, have remained quiet as residents continue to raise concerns about the direction of the city and the impact repeated public safety incidents are having on Lewiston’s reputation.
