Austintown attorney pleads 'not guilty' to engaging in prostitution

An Austintown attorney has entered a "not guilty" plea to charges filed after his arrest in a prostitution sting.

David Gerchak appeared in Columbiana County Municipal Court on Thursday without an attorney to answer charges of engaging in prostitution and possessing criminal tools.

Gerchak, who told the court he intends to hire a lawyer, waived his right to a speedy trial. 

The 55-year-old Austintown resident remains free on a $2,000 bond while he awaits a pre-trial scheduled for November 3.

According to court documents, Gerchak allegedly used a phone to arrange two sex acts for $120.  It turned out that the person on the other end of the phone was an agent from the Mahoning Valley Human Trafficking Task Force.

Investigators say when Gerchak showed up at a W. State Street location in Salem on Wednesday, he was arrested.

Gerchak was booked into the Columbiana County Jail and then freed on bond.

The criminal tool charge stems from Gerchak’s alleged usage of a cell phone to set up the appointment.