Homeless Woman & Her Driver Arrested For Alleged Prostitution In Osage Beach

CAMDEN COUNTY, Mo. — Two people were arrested last weekend in Osage Beach for prostitution and possession of a controlled substance.

The investigation began on August 2, when an Osage Beach Police officer with the Lake Area Human Trafficking Task Force found a local online ad offering sexual services for money. The post, made on a website known for promoting prostitution and trafficking, included nude photos of Christine A. Clay, 46, of Camdenton.

Using an undercover cellphone, the officer then arranged a fake meeting with Clay at a hotel for $200 in exchange for "full service." Upon meeting at the location that afternoon, OBPD took Clay into custody without incident.

But authorities say she wasn't working alone.

According to the probable cause statement, Clay said she was driven to the hotel by Justen P. Merz, 49, of Wentzville. He had allegedly met Clay as a client. Now, Clay said she pays Merz half of the money she receives for transportation.

Clay told officers that she considers herself homeless.

Another officer stopped Merz from leaving the parking lot after Clay's revelation. He was detained and allegedly admitted to dropping her off but denied knowing about the prostitution. However, Clay later said that Merz also funded the rooms so she could perform commercial sex, according to the statement.

Furthermore, a search of Clay's person inside the hotel room reportedly revealed a small baggie containing methamphetamine. Clay allegedly admitted to possessing it and using narcotics frequently.

A canine alert of Merz's vehicle allegedly revealed a glass pipe consistent with smoking an illegal substance. Merz is currently listed with the Missouri Probation & Parole District 6.

Clay was booked into the Camden County Jail on charges of Possession of a Controlled Substance and Prostitution, with a $3,000 surety bond. On Aug. 7, the court amended the bond to $200 cash or $2,000 surety, pending any objection from the state. Her next court date is Aug. 19.

Merz was also booked into the county jail for Possession of a Controlled Substance and 3rd Degree Promoting Prostitution, with a $25,000 bond. His case is set for Aug. 8.