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April 26, 2012

Owasso PD help arrest Claremore business owner in sting operation

Salesha Wilken Staff Reporter

CLAREMORE —  

Owasso Police worked in tandem with Claremore officers Monday night in a sting operation which resulted in the arrest of Raceway Towing owner Joe Beam on charges of solicitation of prostitution.
Claremore Assistant Chief Charles Downum, Lt. Chuck Goad, Investigator Wayne Stinnett, Investigator Keith Heskett, District Attorney Investigator Shane Reynolds and two undercover Owasso police officers conducted the sting operation.
CPD had received complaints about the activities of Beam, prompting the investigation.
The operation occurred in response to those complaints filed by several women who reported Beam allegedly had solicited sex acts in exchange for tow bills.
Officers set up the sting using a female officer as bait and then waited for Beam to make his move.
The officer posed as a broke down motorist and called Raceway Towing.
Beam answered the call and towed the vehicle to a repair business in Claremore.
Then he agreed to drop off the officer at her hotel.
Upon arrival to the hotel Beam requested “30 minutes of wild sex” in exchange for the tow bill.
When the officer agreed, Beam got out of his wrecker and approached the motel room.
After the solicitation, the undercover officer signaled her backup and the arrest was made in the parking lot.
Beam solicited sexual contact in lieu of cash payment for towing services he provided, according to officers.
“I am encouraged by our guys following up on a complaint made by a previous customer that stated Beam propositioned her,” said Chief Stan Brown. “We will not tolerate this behavior from anyone that works for the city.”
As a result of the arrest, Raceway Towing will be removed from the city of Claremore’s vendor list, according to Brown.
CPD is looking for any other complaints or possible victims that may have been propositioned to come forward.
“We appreciated Owasso Police Department for cooperation with these activities and would like to thank them for the support,” the chief said.
Beam was charged with a misdemeanor of solicitation of prostitution and booked into the Rogers County Jail at 11:53 p.m., where he remains.

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