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University president & female employee arrested in ‘dark web’ prostitution sting
A UNIVERSITY president and female employee have been arrested in a "dark web" prostitution sting.
William Bynum Jr., president of Mississippi’s Jackson State University, and Shonda McCarthy, director of the university's art galleries, were among 17 people arrested over the weekend, according to Clinton Police.
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Police reeled the suspects in - during a two-day operation - with an online ad for prostitution services through "dark web" sites.
When the suspects arrived at a hotel chain in Clinton, Mississippi, they were met with undercover cops and arrested.
The sting led to eight felony charges.
Bynum, 57, was charged with procuring services of a prostitute, false statement of identity and simple possession of marijuana, according to Clinton Police Chief Ford Hayman.
Police said detectives "did not identify any patterns or activity to suggest that prostitution or human trafficking is prevalent in Clinton."
Chief Hayman said Monday at a news conference: “It’s really unfortunate that we are here today and 17 people were arrested.
"I wish we hadn’t arrested anyone but we’re going to do all we can do to ensure that criminal activity is not going to transpire in the city of Clinton.”
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McCarthy, JSU Art Galleries director, was charged with procuring services of a prostitute and possession of marijuana while operating a motor vehicle.
Clinton MS Police said: "The arrests spanned multiple charges including prostitution, procuring the services of a prostitute, promoting prostitution, conspiracy to promote prostitution, and various controlled substance violations."
The ages of the arrestees, a mix of men and women, range from 23 to 57.
When asked if Bynum, a father of six, attempted to pretend he was another person, Chief Hayman said: “Without getting into particulars, yes, he was charged with that... providing a false identity."
Bynum wasn't the university's top pick for president when he started his job as Jackson State president.
A number of students and alumni protested the university's decision to hire him two years ago as the school had financial struggles.
In 2017, Bynum told an outrages student: “I understand I may not be your choice. All I say to you is, watch me work.”
Bynum is set to appear in court on March 11 for his arraignment. He was released from custody after posting a $3,000 bond.
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As Bynum resigned from him position on Monday, Jackson State University named Thomas Hudson as the acting president effective immediately.
Hudson served as Special Assistant to the President and Chief Diversity Officer prior to becoming interim president.
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