Tulsa Police Arrest Claremore Man Reportedly Searching For Teen Prostitute

A 45-year-old Claremore man who was reportedly searching for a 12-year-old girl for sex is in jail after officers conducted a sting operation on Friday.

Joseph Wayne Collins is behind bars on complaints of procuring a minor for prostitution and lewd proposal to a minor.

Tulsa police say they received a tip on Friday that Collins was searching for a young prostitute. According to an arrest report, an officer posed as a 13-year-old girl and texted Collins, who agreed to meet for sex in exchange for $175.

When Collins arrived at the room in the America's Best Value Inn, officers apprehended him, the report says.

Collins had a condom and $200 cash in his pants pocket, according to the report. Police said they also found a box of condoms in Collins' car.

The arresting officer said he called Collins cell phone to confirm it was the phone from which the texts were sent.