Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott states that Mark A. Cornish (DOB 8-28-79) has been arrested and charged with one count of prostitution.

Deputies received a tip, late this afternoon, that a uniformed police officer had entered a motel room with a known prostitute. The Sheriff stated that upon Deputies arrival the City of Columbia Police Officer fled in his patrol car. Deputies found the prostitute, Vanessa Perry (DOB 12-15-93), in the room and arrested her for prostitution. The Sheriff added that Deputies located Cornish a few blocks away and transported him to the Sheriff’s Department.

Investigators have determined that Cornish had paid Perry for a sexual act and that Cornish has met with her on more than one occasion. Investigators located physical evidence that Cornish had paid for sexual acts -- arresting Cornish on charges of prostitution.

Cornish will be transported shortly to the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center for a bond hearing.