Police hope madam, 80, can stay out of trouble
An 80-year-old woman, who uses a walker and an oxygen tank, has been busted for running an escort service from her New Jersey apartment, state police said.
Vera Tursi, who rarely left her low-income apartment in Lindenwold, took phone calls from men who answered her Internet ad for "August Playmates" listed under "Personal Escort Services" and other headings for at least six months until her arrest in May, police said.
Tursi, who inherited the business from her late daughter, was charged with promoting prostitution, which is a felony.
"We doubt very much whether she will see jail time," New Jersey State Police Captain Al Della Fave said.
"She will probably get some type of probation and as long as she keeps herself clean while she is on probation, she'll stay out of prison."
Evidence in the case will be considered by a grand jury.
Tursi was charged with sending escorts to meet men depending on the clients' preferences and which of her escorts were available, Captain Della Fave said.
Her activities were discovered by police running an investigation called "Operation Risky Business", which cracked down on several escort services, leading to the arrest of 42 people and the seizure of more than $US70,000. Full Story...
