South Portland police, Gorham police, the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office and the Homeland Security Human Trafficking Task Force conducted an undercover sting operation in the Maine Mall area on Wednesday to target customers of suspected prostitutes.

Arrested and charged with class E engaging a prostitute were Thomas Kahl, 64, of White River Junction, Vt; Willard Putnam, 56, of Windham; and Robinson Rich, 25, of Cape Elizabeth.

According to South Portland police Sgt. Steven Webster, the three men responded to an ad placed on social media, and they arrived at a predetermined location expecting to have a sexual encounter in exchange for money with a supposed prostitute. The supposed prostitute was an undercover police officer.

Thomas KahlRobinson RichWillard Putnam