LEWISTON – A firefighter was arrested Thursday afternoon and charged with attempting to engage a prostitute at a local hotel.

Peter Morrell, 54, of Auburn was charged on Pleasant Street at about 2:30 p.m. after allegedly trying to conduct a cash-for-sex exchange.

Morrell, who also goes by the name Anthony, was booked at the Androscoggin County Jail in Auburn and later bailed.

The arrest comes nearly seven years after Morrell was arrested after police said they observed him buying crack cocaine in an East Avenue parking lot.  Morrell, who had once served as one of Lewiston’s fire inspectors, was suspended from the department, but ultimately returned to duty.

On Thursday, Morrell was one of two men charged in a police operation targeting those who attempt to hire prostitutes within the city.

It was not immediately clear when he will make his initial court appearance.

Peter Morrell