Police Officer Charged for Prostitution

One of our Columbia police officers was found at an EconoLodge with a well-known prostitute on Two Notch Road. The officer is 32 year old Mark Cornish. He was at the motel with a 17 year old girl who was charged with prostitution. Cornish was in uniform and fled the scene in his patrol car when deputies arrived. He had been with Columbia P.D. for two years.
It's always an issue when law enforcement breaks the law. While the police chief issued a statement to the media claiming that they will handle this situation fairly, it's hard to say what will really happen. He may get off easier than an offender who was not affiliated with police force would.
It's important that the officer is charged appropriately and not leniently due to his job status and possible connections. It's also important that our city gets help for the young girl and other girls like her. Increased opportunities for young women to make money and awareness about sexual health may deter women from prostituting themselves. She needs to get tested for STDs and HIV immediately. Since she is so young, there is hope that her life may get turned around if proper resources can help her to do better rather than just punishing her.

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