By Bridget Manley, publisher
Several people were arrested this week at the home of Councilwoman Monica Robinson following an investigation into allegations of prostitution and internet crimes involving juvenile victims.
As first reported by the Daily News-Record, Harrisonburg City Police conducted search warrants on two properties on Wednesday, after receiving information that a juvenile female may have been involved in prostitution.
One of those properties was Robinson’s home, and among those charged were Robinson’s son and two grandsons.
Robinson confirmed to The Citizen that it was her home but added she would not be making any comment at this time.
This comes as Robinson seeks re-election on the city council in the November election.
Robinson is serving her first term as councilwoman and is running this summer’s Democratic primary for one of two spots in the general election. Early voting for the Aug. 4 Democratic primary began on June 18.
Robinson is one of four candidates on the primary ballot, along with fellow first-term councilman Dany Fleming and newcomers Kathy M. “Kat” Hendley and Krista N. “Nikki” Gross.
Former city councilman Sal Romero, who served one term as a councilman from 2019-2023, has confirmed to The Citizen that he has qualified for the fall ballot and will also be running for city council as an independent.
This week, three people were arrested as part of the prostitution investigation, including 19-year-old Crespo Ghawaga John Alhajana, whom police charged with using or allowing a vehicle to be used for the purpose of prostitution involving a minor, and with pandering, pimping, or receiving money from a minor engaged in prostitution.
Jayden LeQuinn Robinson, 18, was charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor and with keeping, residing in or visiting a bawdy place for immoral purposes.
A 17-year-old minor was charged with pandering, pimping or receiving money from a minor engaged in prostitution, as well as with reproducing, transmitting or selling child pornography.
In addition, two other people were arrested during the search warrants’ execution on unrelated charges.
Nathaniel Clayton Reed, 22, was charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Kasey LeQuinn Robinson, 38, was arrested for violating probation.
WHSV-TV reported that Jayden Robinson and Nathaniel Reed are Robinson’s grandsons, and Kasey Robinson is her son.
City spokesman Michael Parks also confirmed to The Citizen that the investigation “involved Councilmember Robinson’s family members and that one of the properties involved is her residence.”
“This remains an active investigation, and we are limited in what information we can share until it concludes,” Parks said. “HPD continues to work to ensure we have all pertinent information relevant to this issue and that all responsible are held accountable and that all victims are identified and given the support they need. Specifically regarding Councilmember Robinson, we will defer any questions regarding her property, her family members and her position as an elected official in our community to her.”
After officers began their investigation, they also learned of internet crimes involving juveniles, and the case was investigated by Internet Crimes Against Children detectives within the Harrisonburg Police Department.
During her time on council, Robinson has served as the council representative to the Social Services Advisory Board, the City/JMU Liaison Committee, the Community Criminal Justice Board, and the Ordinance Advisory Committee, among others.
She is the Co-Chair of the Harrisonburg International Women’s Day March and the Executive Director of the Shenandoah Valley Black Heritage Project. She has also served on the boards of several nonprofit organizations in Harrisonburg.
The Harrisonburg Police Department said that the investigation remains active and that additional charges are pending.
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