Women arrested on prostitution, endangerment charges

SHALER TOWNSHIP, Pa. — Two women are facing charges after police say undercover officers busted them for prostitution.

Brittany Vareha, 27, and Malinda Chalmers, 41, were arrested at a home on Park Street in Shaler Township.

“It makes me sick,” said a neighbor. “I’ve lived here almost my whole life.”

Police said an undercover detective went to the home after responding to an ad on the website “Escort Babylon” listing their services.

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Varhea let officers inside and Chalmers was waiting upstairs, police said. Chalmers allegedly told the detective the visit would cost $60. Both women were arrested.

“I figured something was going on but we figured it was more drugs than prostitution,” the neighborhood said.

Police Chalmers was found with heroin, pills and drug paraphernalia and her 15-year-old son was in a back bedroom. Vareha locked himself in a bathroom with drug paraphernalia and her 4-year-old son was in the living room, police said.

“They need to completely get rid of the house. That’s what they need to do,” said Shirley Ruhle, a neighbor. “I have my great grandson here. He rides his bike, comes here on the weekends, and stays with me, you know. And I don't want him with here (with) what's going on down there.”

Vareha and Chalmers face child endangerment and prostitution charges.

Cox Media Group