Prostitution Ring At Massachusetts Nursing Home Busted: Police

PITTSFIELD, MA — A prostitution ring operated out of a Western Massachusetts nursing home was busted Thanksgiving week, according to police. Two men — Randy Lambach, 45, of Becket; and Joseph VanWert, 65, of Pittsfield — were arrested and charged with human trafficking and facilitating prostitution, among other charges, Pittsfield police announced Tuesday. VanWert allegedly operated the ring out of his residence at a Pittsfield senior living facility.

The pair operated the ring for "several years," according to police.

"Many, if not all, of the women recruited by Lambach are suffering from severe addiction issues," Pittsfield police said in a statement. "VanWert used his residence at a senior living facility as a place to conduct the prostitution. The women were ... photographed and advertised on social media sites."

Police continued, "Lambach facilitated meeting locations with prospective 'johns' and transported these women to specified locations. He would often wait nearby to take a portion of the earnings. He would also compensate the women with narcotics in lieu of cash. This included heroin, cocaine and prescription medication."

Police said they started an investigation into the alleged ring in the spring after identifying "an increase in calls for service for prostitution and solicitation in certain sections of the city."

Lambach and VanWert were charged with human trafficking, deriving support from a prostitute, knowingly permitting prostitution and sexual conduct for a fee. They were held without bail pending a dangerousness hearing November 29.

"Members of the Pittsfield Police Department are making every effort to provide support and resources to the victims in this case," police said. "The investigation remains active and ongoing. Additional charges are pending."

Pittsfield, the largest city in Berkshire County, is about a mile from the New York border.

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