Photo by Casey Junkins Wheeling police believe the resident of this 15th Street home ran a drug and prostitution ring there, leading to a total of eight arrests during the weekend.

Wheeling police believe an East Wheeling resident operated a drug and prostitution ring out of his 15th Street home, as they arrested him and seven others over the weekend.

Wheeling police spokesman Philip Stahl said officers believe Michael Riester, 65, is the owner of the 104 15th St. home at which they executed a search warrant at 10:40 a.m. Sunday. The search, along with other police work near the residence throughout the weekend, resulted in eight total arrests.

Stahl said police connected all the alleged sex and drug activity to the East Wheeling residence.

“We’ve had multiple complaints about this place,” Stahl said. “Officers observed the activity, so we obtained a search warrant.”

Riester faces one count each of operating a drug premises and operating a house of ill fame and assignation.

Stahl said officers arrested Riester during the Sunday raid, along with four others on the following charges:

∫ Robert Robertson, 57, of Wheeling — possession with intent to deliver crack cocaine;

∫ Thomas Benich, 60, Harrisville, Ohio — soliciting/pandering prostitution;

∫ Ashley Green, 24, Wheeling — failure to appear; and

∫ Tansay Harper, 32, Moundsville — soliciting/pandering prostitution.

Additionally, officers arrested three other individuals during the weekend prior to the Sunday search. These included:

∫ Andrew Beaver, 46, Wheeling — solicitation of a prostitute;

∫ Xavier Prayear, 25, Wheeling — possession with intent to deliver marijuana; and

∫ Dewanya Neal, 23, Wheeling — possession with intent to deliver marijuana.

Stahl said he believed Harper and Beaver were cited and released, while the others were taken to the Northern Regional Jail in Moundsville for processing.

Stahl said residents should report any suspicious activity to the department by calling 304-234-3664.

“Don’t just assume we know what is going on. If you see suspicious activity, let us know,” he said.

Councilman Brian Wilson represents East Wheeling in the city’s 3rd Ward. He also said there have been plenty of complaints about 104 15th St.

“This is not the end-all, be-all to ending this activity in our city, but it certainly will help,” Wilson said of Sunday’s arrests. “That’s one that has generated a lot of complaints.”

Wilson said in addition to calling the police, residents can help by joining one of the neighborhood associations throughout the city.

“It always helps to have neighbors who look out for other neighbors,” Wilson added.