Taking a cue from Seattle police, Medford officers used a fake Craigslist escort service ad to net five men accused of soliciting prostitution.

Medford police Deputy Chief Tim George said officers thought it was time to focus on the "johns" after two stings last year targeted the prostitutes.

"To be fair, we worked it the other way," he said.

Between Jan. 30 and Feb. 1, 30 people inquired about the police's bogus escort service ad. In all, seven men showed up at an undisclosed Medford motel, where they were greeted by an adult female informant, George said.

Five of the men agreed to pay for sex, while the other two "got cold feet," George said.

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Arrested were Jose Gonzalo Beteta, 62, of the 17100 block of Redwood Highway, Selma; Jeffrey Ralph Blum, 50, of the 3100 block of Taylor Road, Central Point; Robert Benjamin Schumacher, 50, of the 600 block of Eight Dollar Road, Kerby; Jeremiah Natos Shipley, 36, of the 1700 block of Missouri Flat Road, Grants Pass and Jesse F. Williamson, 30, of the 100 block of Tripp Street, Medford.

Each was cited for prostitution and was ordered to appear Feb. 21 in Jackson County Circuit Court. Prostitution is a misdemeanor that carries a maximum sentence of one year and a $6,250 fine.

George said they got the idea from Seattle police, who posted a Craigslist ad and made numerous arrests. Craigslist is a national company that provides Web advertising for goods and services.

"We will continue to discourage this kind of activity," George said. "Prostitution is not good for a city, as it brings with it other crimes such as drugs, rape and robbery."

Call Chris Conrad at 776-4471; e-mail cconrad@mailtribune.com.