US News

Friend of Obama arrested during prostitution sting in Hawaii

HONOLULU — A close friend of US President Barack Obama will face court after being arrested for allegedly soliciting sex from an undercover officer posing as a prostitute, Hawaii News Now reported Wednesday.

Robert Richard Titcomb, 49, was arrested Monday night and is scheduled to appear in court next month.

He was released on $500 bail after the arrest in downtown Honolulu.

Titcomb was one of four men arrested in connection with the prostitution sting involving a fake online escort website, police confirmed to KITV.

Obama and Titcomb are often seen together when the president visits Hawaii, playing golf or dining out.

The pair have been friends since they attended high school together at Punahou School.

The president and his family attended a barbecue at Titcomb’s Waialua home in December, according to KITV.