Colonie police arrested 18-year-old Nizere Y. Stephens of Albany for promoting prostitution after the department received information of an underage female being forced into prostitution.
Police received the information Tuesday, Sept. 29, around 5 p.m. and were also told the female victim was being struck with a stun gun by a pimp, who was also believed to be in possession of a loaded gun. The alleged incident took place at the 1600 Central Ave. Motel 6 in room 230.
Around 6 p.m., members of the Colonie Police Department Investigations and Patrol Division went to investigate and were able to rescue an 18-year-old female from room 230, along with taking Stephens into custody without incident.
According to police, the female had marks on her body consistent with the marks of a stun gun. Stephens allegedly had a stun gun in his pocket.
A search warrant was obtained for the room, and police allegedly found a loaded Smith & Wesson 10 mm handgun hidden under a bed. The victim was relocated to a safe location with assistance from the Albany County District Attorney’s Office.
Stephens was charged with promoting prostitution in the third degree and criminal possession of a weapon in the second and third degrees, all felonies, and unlawful possession of marijuana, a violation.
The investigation is ongoing and more charges are possible, said police. Stephens was arraigned in Colonie Justice Court and remanded to the Albany County Correctional Facility without bail. His next court appearance is Wednesday, Sept. 30, at 6 p.m. at the town justice court for a preliminary hearing.