Classy DC Indictment Notes

I did a thorough read of the Classy DC indictment and created this list of issues that seem significant to the the counts charged. Some of the issues are ridiculous – the use of email and telephones, for example. Okay, I'll be blunt here: The entire indictment is absurd, but then the grand jury in Alexandria, Virginia will quickly indict a ham sandwich if prosecutors place it on the agenda.

According to an unknown (and strange) party that contacted me a couple of nights ago wanting specific advice concerning opening an escort service in DC, MD, and VA, these people were in business since 2007 and the only reason for this indictment is that “violence is involved”. Is the party “Witness A” or another co-operating witness? I think so and from the wording of her questions, I also believe she's attempting to drag me into the fiasco.

Note to that party: Honey, people used to try to set me up on a weekly, or at least monthly, basis and this continued for years - too many years and obviously rages on. You just ain't good enough. I can usually smell bullshit a mile away as should be crystal clear by my responses. Try it again and I'll publish your emails for all to read, with the tracing info. It is clear that you did not read my Blueprintbook by the questions that you asked. I will write and publish any flippin' books I want. I have a clear understanding of my protections under the First Amendment – feel free to pass that message on.

According to info found in WHOIS for the Classy DC Escorts website, it was created in January of 2006, but the feds may not have noticed them until 2007, and didn't start any investigation until June of 2009:

domain: classydcescorts.com
created: 04-Jan-2006
last-changed: 04-Jan-2012
registration-expiration: 04-Jan-2013

Without considering specifics, I also take issue with the firearm crap. It sounds like this guy was ripped-off and became angry – his mistake; however, it's also based on the word of the parties that did the ripping. We do have a Second Amendment in the US and non-felon citizens are entitled to own a gun. There are processes in place to obtain a concealed weapons permit and I must wonder if the defendant's only real mistake was the lack of one. Escort business owners can be vulnerable to rip-offs. Having stated that, I acknowledge that no matter the amount of money at stake, one must walk away. It sucks, but it is how it is.

A major issue that I have is with the inclusion of the woman (Churchill) that did image or photo crops and altering for the website is that it seems this was her only connection to the operation. I suppose that we must assume the feds have her on tape acknowledging that she understood the images were of prostitutes that should be disguised – flippin' far-fetched if you ask me. Since when is something like this criminal, no matter what the circumstances?

The Indictment Notes

Also connected: DMV Indies, Prime DC, and 305 Playmates.

“Multiple facilities of interstate commerce” - including Internet website, electronic mail (email), cellular phones, automobiles that traveled on interstate highways, automated bank teller machines (ATM), Federal Express, PayPal, Moneygram, and Green Dot prepaid value-added cards.

Had ads on EROS and Backpage.

Concealed the true identity of prostitutes from LE and “johns” by directing prostitutes to choose a “working name”. (Duh – the escorts have a right to privacy)

One defendant altered or digitally enhanced photos for the company website. (Churchill)

Would verify “johns” by asking them to send a blank email from their employer's account. (easily bypassed, as is now obvious)

Kept a computerized calendar for appointments and contact information for many of the “johns”.

Made airline flight, Amtrack, and hotel reservations for the prostitutes.

UCC-1 was a driver that picked-up prostitutes at airports and Amtrack and transported to hotels in the DC area.

“Johns” paid cash. (that was intelligent)

Prostitutes kept 60% of collected money plus tips, but paid approximately 50% of travel and hotel costs. (fair business practice and more fair than most)

Agency collected from prostitutes on a daily basis and reports of money owed and collected were emailed to owner. Agency was paid in cash and on occasion Green Dot by prostitutes.

Mann Act and Travel Act violations. (that interstate crap will drag you down every time)

A part of the conspiracy that defendants made and received interstate telephone calls and electronic communications. (conspiracy to create income and conduct business)

Used Green Dot and Moneygram for interstate transportation of prostitution proceeds. (never advisable)

Paid Churchill (for image altering services) using PayPal – an UCC and defendants. ($60 in one case, $120 on another, and $200 on another) – (This poor woman has been dragged into a federal prosecution over that amount of money)

Deposits made to various defendants' personal bank accounts and several business accounts. (use of personal accounts a serious mistake)

UCC-1 instructed to deposit prostitution proceeds directly to a defendant's account on various occasions. (the driver made business deposits for the owner – never have a driver)

In September 2009, a defendant “brandished a firearm” and threatened a former Classy prostitute (Witness A). (You must wonder what she did to provoke such an action)

Emailed flight info to a woman that had previously responded to ad soliciting prostitutes. (or did those ads solicit escorts?)

In June of 2010, Witness B traveled from Houston to DCA to engage in sexual activity for money with “johns” on behalf of Classy. (we should expect that this is taped and not just the word of a busted hooker)

September 2010 a defendant assaulted UCC-1 and brandished a firearm during the beating. (We must wonder what provoked such an action)

January 21, 2011, Witness B traveled to the Eastern District of VA to engage in sexual activity with “johns” on behalf of Classy. (again, better have a tape to back that one up)

These notes are just my initial thoughts, but I do not see much to prosecute in this case. However, as with 95% of federal prosecutions, I suspect that the defendants will take plea deals. Time will tell.

Edit on 19 March 2012 @5pm EST: I have added several documents to the Updates page of my website. Check the Updates page weekly for additional documents. The Updates page is found here: Updates 

One document in particular that is interesting: Asuen Discovery Agreement Order 9 March 2012