Villa ParkMan Guilty of Operating Prostitution Ring

WHEATON - DuPage County State’s Attorney Joseph E. Birkett announced today that Michael R. Shulda, 32 (d.o.b. 4/08/1974), 724 Terrace, Villa Park, was found guilty of one count of Pandering, a Class 4 Felony.

Judge Perry Thompson found Shulda guilty of the charge following a bench trial stemming from an investigation led by the Villa Park Police Department.  On March 7, 2006, the Villa Park Police Department received information from concerned citizens about a possible prostitution ring in their neighborhood.  Through their investigation, Villa Park Police officers were able to locate Shulda’s ads on the Internet offering sex with women in exchange for money.  Shulda’s arrest came after officers arranged a sting operation in which an officer posed as a potential customer and set up a meeting with a prostitute working for Shulda.

  “I am very pleased with the guilty verdict handed down by Judge Thompson today,” commented Birkett.  “Prostitution is an extremely dangerous business and it is extremely important that we do all we can to shut down these illegal prostitution rings.”  Birkett went on to praise the work of the Villa Park Police Department.  “I would like to add that we are very grateful to the Villa Park Police Department for their swift and thorough investigation into Mr. Shulda and his prostitution ring.”

Shulda’s next court appearance is scheduled for June 22 in front of Judge Thompson.  Because of Shulda’s criminal history he is eligible for extended sentencing and will face a sentence from probation to six years in the Illinois Department of Corrections.

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