A woman arrested in Edgartown two weeks ago on theft and prostitution charges originally identified herself as her younger sister, police said.
Shannon M. Owens, 27, of New York city was arraigned for a second time Oct. 5 in Edgartown district court and charged with refusing to identify herself, larceny more than $250, receiving stolen property more than $250, malicious destruction of property more than $250, assault and battery, sexual conduct for a fee, intimidating a witness, and arrestee furnishing a false name or social security number, all on Sept. 26 in Edgartown.
She was also charged with being a fugitive from justice on a court warrant based in New Jersey and held without bail.
When she was first arrested and arraigned on Sept. 27, Ms. Owens gave the name and information of her younger sister, Brianna, 20. According to a police report filed by Edgartown Sgt. Craig Edwards, he received a call on Sept. 30 from Brianna Owens, who stated that her sister dropped her child off with her and then went to the Vineyard. She reported hearing that her sister was being held on prostitution and other charges, and stated that Shannon Owens had taken her (Brianna’s) temporary license to use as identification.
Police then found that Shannon Owens has a “significant criminal history” for prostitution, assault and battery and theft in New Jersey, the report said.
According to court documents, there is an arrest warrant for Shannon Owens from the Morris County Superior Court in New Jersey for assault charges and throwing bodily fluids at a department of corrections employee, and she will be extradited when local charges are satisfied.
Shannon Owens was arrested here after allegedly coming to the Vineyard because an Edgartown man responded to a Craigslist ad for sexual favors.
According to police reports filed in court, Shannon Owens came to the Vineyard with Gabriel Rios-Leon, who was to deal with money and provide protection. Police said the two went to the man’s house on 18th street, where Shannon Owens allegedly attacked the man after a disagreement about their transaction, which allegedly cost $1,800.
Police allege that a physical altercation broke out and Ms. Owens took the man’s cell phone, laptop computer and wallet before leaving the house with Mr. Rios-Leon, and that she later smashed a neighbor’s car window with a rock when he requested that the two quiet down.
Mr. Rios-Leon, of New Jersey, was arraigned on charges including deriving support from prostitution.
“They misled investigators, correctional officers and court personnel with the intent to impede or interfere with the investigation,” Edgartown Det. Sgt. Chris Dolby said in a police report.
A pretrial hearing for Shannon Owens is next scheduled for Oct. 12.
Editor's Note: This story has been updated to correct Mr. Rios-Leon's first name.
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