Reply #22: Sex Services in Prostitution Probes Banned

[Judi Lynn]

Sex Services in Prostitution Probes Banned

Virginia Sheriff: No More Sexual Services for Detectives Investigating Prostitution

SPOTSYLVANIA, Va. Feb 17, 2006 (AP)— The sheriff said Friday he will no longer allow detectives to receive sexual services while investigating suspected prostitution after they spent $1,200 at massage parlors last month and sparked a public outcry.
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"As sheriff, I understand the feelings and concerns the citizens of this county have expressed," Smith said in a statement sent to The Associated Press on Friday. "And I empathize with those feelings. Because of the public's express response, I have suspended this practice."

Court documents show that four times last month, county detectives allowed women at Moon Spa to perform sex acts on them once leaving a $350 tip. A total of $1,200 was spent during the visits, Smith said. He said multiple visits were necessary so detectives could build trust with the operators.
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"All of us … have been worried about this episode tarnishing the county and making us a laughingstock of the nation," board chairman Henry "Hap" Connors told the AP Friday. "That's why I came out early on and asked the sheriff to cease using these tactics."
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http://abcnews.go.com/US/LegalCenter/wireStory?id=1633233&CMP=OTC-RSSFeeds0312



Spotsylvania County Sheriff Howard Smith