UPDATE: EMU suspends vice-president following solicitation of prostitution charge

By Channing Frampton
WHSV
January 09, 2016

http://www.whsv.com/content/news/University-vice-president-among-those-charged-with-solicitation-of-prostitution-364714721.html

File image of Luke Hartman of EMU

HARRISONBURG, Va. (WHSV) -- UPDATE (Jan. 9, 2:30 p.m.) :

In a press release, Eastern Mennonite University said:

"Eastern Mennonite University (EMU) has suspended Luke Hartman from his role as vice president for enrollment, effective immediately."

"The suspension comes as a result of a January 8, 2016, misdemeanor charge of solicitation of prostitution following an investigation by the Harrisonburg Police Department and the Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office."

“'We invite prayers for all those affected during this difficult time,' said President Loren Swartzendruber."

ORIGINAL STORY (Jan. 8)

No fewer than ten people were arrested in Harrisonburg and Rockingham County for allegedly offering to pay for sex.

The Harrisonburg Police Dept. (HPD) made the arrests Friday, Jan. 8, during an undercover operation in Harrisonburg with the Rockingham County Sheriff's Office.

Also charged in this sting was Luke Hartman, 46, of Harrisonburg. WHSV confirmed with Eastern Mennonite University's president that Hartman is Vice President for Enrollment at the University.

Hartman, who is charged with solicitation of prostitution according to a HPD press release, was listed on EMU's website as a Virginia Tech graduate with a PhD.

The EMU page said Hartman in the past had served the "Harrisonburg City Public School system as an administrator of the most diverse middle school per capita in the state of Virginia, a school... he helped to open." According to Hartman's LinkedIn page, that refers to Skyline Middle School.