Woman Charged with Prostitution

A woman who police said identified herself as "Abigail" and agreed to have sex with an undercover Bensalem Police officer for $240 has been charged with prostitution. 

Nicole Panella, 28, of the 12000 block of Dunksferry Road in Philadelphia, was arrested and charged with prostitution, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. 

Police allege that while searching backpages.com for prostitutes in the Bensalem area, police found an ad for a woman using the alias "Abigail," who allegedly was located near Parx Casino. 

A Bensalem Police officer, in an undercover capacity, sent a text message to the cell phone number listed on the ad, according to court documents. From there, "Abigail," later identified as Panella, responded that he could have an hour-long "date" for $240 and directed him to meet her at the Sleep Inn, 3427 Street Road in Bensalem on Nov. 7.

Once at the hotel, the officer asked Panella what $240 would cover, according to court documents. After she told him, the officer placed $240 on the dresser, and Panella allegedly undressed, hugged and attempted to kiss the officer and laid on the bed, according to court documents. The officer then opened the door and arresting officers came into the room, according to court records.  

Following her arrest, Panella reportedly told police that she works as an escort for an agency and that she has sex for money, according to court documents. 

She awaits a preliminary hearing tentatively set for Jan. 23 in district court.