What did they do...

and to whom did they do it...?

More gov't control. Isn't that what we all need. This is just another stark example of bureaucracy run amok. She must have ticked off one of the crooked politicians that run this country, who then set out to destroy her business of which he was a client. Of course no politicians want the records released, it would probably destroy both parties. I may not agree with her or the "business" she ran, but I'll defend her rights against the federal government.

Justin, specifically what did Deborah do that warranted racketeering charges? Was it the threat of selling her phone records to the highest bidder?

Go get'em girl!

She is being railroaded. We will see, in short order, that the government will flat out refuse to give her the money she wants to mount an adequate defense. There is no fairness when dealing with the government, particularly when you are someone who knows where various power brokers have skeletons hidden.

There can be no doubt that Palfrey is one of these people, and if I were her, I would absolutely go out of my way to destroy whomever she can before she is locked away forever... (unlike child predators who will be out in 3-5)

Who cares really? Seems like a major [non]top story here. Lets waste our time and brain space on news tht matters to the major population.

It looks like she'll do anything for money. I sure hope that ABC didnt pay out for that story.

I'll bet there are more than a few DC politians sweating over this one. Does she have a legal defense fund where I can send $$$$$???? Inquiring minds DO want to know who these "clients" were......

According to the article: "She has asked the government to return $500,000 in her assets so she can pay for a new criminal lawyer; given that the government has unlimited resources with which to prosecute her, she has reasoned, the amount would be 'fair play and due process.'

Isn't it better to say that the amount would be "foreplay and due process."

I want to know who used her escort and sexual service, however I am afraid we will hear about all the Republicans and not the Democrats with ABC reporting.

would just love to see those records. can only guess who's on it. probably reads like the who's who in washington.

I would bet that some of the elite in D.C. may be sitting on pins and needles if the info. hits the paper. Just goes to show what free interprise is all about. I do not condone her choice of lifestyle, she does seem to appear to have some big fish by: hook, line, and sinker!

I hope the records get "leaked." The gov't is to big for its own britches and people need to see the people that are running the country for what that really are. That means boths sides!

Hey they "leak" stuff that want us to know all the time why can't the records be leaked also?

why can't this list be leaked. you can be sure someone has copies

Just another example of a "crime" where there are no victims... no one killed, no one hurt, no one losing money, no one failing to pay taxes. This is all about religious people upset that some people are having more fun than they are.

I wonder if the number of congressmen and TV/radio talk show hosts taking advantage of these 'services' will be in the dozens, or the hundreds. I doubt it will be less than double figures. Hopefully this will clean out the rest of the government that is corrupt by forcing various resignations and allowing some honest people to run the country for once.

Wouldn't it be funny if the person who dropped a dime on Madame Palfrey was Jack Abramoff? Or maybe it's Bob Beckel... he certainly has the history....

So that's it? This is the whole story? You interviewed her yesterday and all you got was a recap of what is already known from previous news articles?

I find this ridiculous. This seems like a hunting expedition. They better be careful what they ask for because it is very possible that there are congressmen, presidents/staff that could have been involved with this company. As a country we don't need another distraction from the REAL issues. Get back to work.

My guess is there is a judge with love stains on his robe. Shame on him for helping protect the list of phone numbers. Too bad she didn't release them, it would take people's mind off the stupid election

If the govt wants to know whether or not these gals offered sex, have them ask Bill Clinton...he knows the difference between sex and no sex!

Meh ... must be a slow news day if this is a top story.

Awesome idea, Jim. What we need more than anything else is everyone paying attention to tabloid-worthy news rather than real issues. You rock.

Prostitution should be legalized. It is a consensual activity between adults which harms nobody!

Since when i prostitution a federal racketeering crime??? Haven't the feds heard about Las Vegas?

This is a political crime and the thought police are making arrests

What's funny are the people here (republicans) who either say that only Republicans will get blamed or the ones who say to just ignore it, while getting a dig in at Barney Frank.

It's like they already assume it's going to be another Republican...ie. Foley, Haggart. Hey, maybe there is a God.

so did i.

Interesting that the government said they may "confiscate" the proceeds if the madam decided to sell her phone list. Guess you could call that a "rebate" huh?

David -- I fully agree prostitution should be legalized. But until the idiot politicians continue to arrest, prosecute, and ostricate those who frequent, lets see how many of them are hyopcrites in the mean time.

Tom -- that was hilarious.

:-) Thank you Eric....sometimes truth can be hilarious

I think this is great. Let's expose these corrupt politicians for what they really are....

Maybe we can get some new blood into the House, Senate and Exc branches and have a country ruled by THE PEOPLE once again. Personally, I think the govt is trying to gag her due to the harm it would cause them. I don’t blame her for trying to expose these people for what they really are; sleazy and corrupt.

I call this period the great unravelling.... into things unknown.

Bill

That threat to confiscate the
proceeds is as good
as a confession, but far more
damning.

D.C. again leaves Vegas in the dust:

Who could THIS judge be
protecting?

this should be a (another) lesson to people who hold information that is damaging to those in power: first, make multiple copies, second people with power WILL abuse it: when your operation comes under fire, distribute your info quickly before it is suppressed. You may have to give up the potential profits.

bring the federal grand jury to the capitol steps and line up all accused of patonizing ms. pelfrey's business. then, all in unison,they can wag their fingers and say "i did not have sex with that woman's women". all will surely be re-elected.

I'm going to do everything in my power to convince the prosecutors to drop all the charges against this woman. It's obvious to me that she's being railroaded. Ken Starr is behind this. I can feel it.

HAHAHAHEHEHEHE

Palfrey has claimed that her service's clients were "upscale" and "came from the more refined walks of life."

..............HAHAHAHEHEHEHE

What a wonderful way to purge our crooked congress. Out with the kleptocrats of both parties. Juicy sex is about the only way to clean house in this whacky nation. Let's get those stories and the dirtier the better.

The reason this is a story,is because who is possibly on the list. I doubt that her business is totally legit, however, it is definetly no worse than anything else going on in d.c. at this time. She or one of her associates, pissed someone off that used her business. As far as getting rid of politicians who are corrupt, is fine, however, they would only be replaced by newer corrupt ones. They only serve those who have the money to pay. Maybe 1 or 2 percent are honest and wanting to work for the people, otherwise forget it.

Until a victim is identified, I'm supporting "Don't ask. Don't tell."

GOOD GOD!THE DISFUNCTIONAL GOVERNMENT IS USING OUR TAX $$$ ON THIS.THE ENTIRE GOVERNMENT IS CORRUPT.BOTH PARTIES.AND AS NOTED;WHAT WAS/IS THE CRIME?

This is old news. Remember when Bill & Hill hired a bar room bouncer to illegally obtain raw FBI files. They probably still have them & that could be the reason Republicans act like democrats.This woman could be in serious trouble for competing with the Clintons. If she releases her records it would make their files useless. Watch your back lady.

state secrets can be had through
sexual black mail,so yes the govt should prosecute. If politicians,
bureaucrats and other DC denizens
are stupid enough to play like this they should get burned

Unless she hired male prostitutes, there most likely won't be any democrat polititians involved.

What can we do to help, Madam Palfrey? Anything to expose the double standard. Anything to help keep a reputable business going. I think she should get her 500k to keep. I hate it that success in the American dream is the potential that your earned and saved income is a target for government. I also hate it that attorneys can use my tax dollars for a cover up or a witch hunt.

It seems that a very selective and bias approach has our media now making our decisions for us.

Why can't we see who her clients are and if we can't why can't we.
The press and TV have become so sterile that we no longer get news we get some pointing headed rich man's opinion.

Another example of how every American is just one step away from the jailhouse. This is a country of too many laws for the government and not enough for the people. On the other hand, we're all just one step away from the poorhouse too, considering how we are fleeced for every kind of tax imaginable. Free country my butt, only a fool would believe that myth. I hope this gal becomes a real thorn in Washington's side.

Just another example of big government taking control of a non issue. Where's the racketeering on this one? She was just smart enough to have contracts, deal with high profile people and have something on them. My only fear is that ABC will highlight the Republicans and not the Dems.

There's another conspiracy going on in our society, It's called "The Mainstream Media!" Where is the outrage on that on (FCC) Federal Government?

This is nothing more then capitalism at work. Saddly, this is what sells.

I think that she should just give the records to be published at no charge and let people donate to her defense fund. That way America will find out the truth

Ever notice how those of power in politics or religion who are the most vocal against prostitution and other "evils" are almost always engaged in such activity?
"methinks thou doest protest too much"

I hope the list of her clients "leaks out".

It's always possible that she was just as "sleazy and corrupt" as you assume the all of the government is. She may have had a quid pro quo with her "contractors" from the beginning. She may have told them she needed them to sign the contract to protect her and make it appear legal, but what they did was up to them.

Like anyone would bat an eye about politicans hiring prostitutes? The only reason that phone list is stifled is so the wives of the judge and his pals don't clean out the bank accounts and head for St. Barts...

Dick Morris - FOX News analyst will be at the top of the list.

Good question..who is this Judge protecting?

This can't be good news for the Democrats. My understanding is that these are lady prostitutes. And everyone knows when it comes to prostitutes, the Repubs like their boy toys.

I like the idea a couple of comments up, someone needs to start a website that can take donations for her legal issues on the condition that the records are released or some how leaked.

Ever hear of the Hookergate scandal that got completely whitewashed last year? It involved Duke Cunningham, Dusty Foggo and Porter Goss. This is related - which is why she's being railroaded. I wouldn't fly in any small planes if I were her.

Those politicians in Washington are so afraid that on their next encounter with one of the sub-contractors they would have to bring along a 25 megaton Viagra.

Regardless of what people think about her business, the whole question of seizing assets prior to a determination of guilt should be disturbing.

All an unscrupulous prosecutor has to do to destroy you is--prosecute and seize your assets. No one can defend themself from that.

I guess all the great moral judges, politicians, big businessmen are going to sweat this one out. She better watch out to whom she gave the lists...they might have the arm of the high and mighty moralists in their midsts. Notice that all those moralists who decry such actions by other people do it themselves always.
I laugh...I want to see the names...it is important.

"I want to know who used her escort and sexual service, however I am afraid we will hear about all the Republicans and not the Democrats with ABC reporting.
Posted by: Rita Nelson | Apr 9, 2007 6:35:39 PM"

You know in your heart of hearts that you're more likely to hear about Republicans using her services because Dems have healthier attitudes about sex and can usually find sexual satisfaction without having to pay for it.

Rita Nelson: I have two words for you: Ted Haggard

Maybe if the Right-wingers didn't spend so much time screaming about immoral the Left is, it wouldn't be such news when some turn out to be complete hypocrites. Newt's affair was ongoing simultaneously with all his grandstanding against Clinton's affair... those people simply have no moral legs to stand on. Anyone who attacks another for something he himself is guilty of deserves to be publicly exposed and shamed!

I wonder if she was Jeff Gannon/James Guckert's "handler" who got him into the White House over 132 times?
To those who keep posting that ABC will downplay the Democrats role, wake up. It't the hippocrit Reublicans who want to make the rules for the rest of us yet the same rules shouldn't apply to them.

I wonder how ABC news knows what a witness told the prosecutor?

And Brian Ross wanted to "personally" talk with her...brian are you married?

We'd give anything to see the list of clients.

Nicole.....regarding Ted Haggard, the old saying is they like two things.....fried chicken, and (we know the other).

This woman know exactly what kind of service she ran. She started it by going on appointments herself....and the business continued in exactly the manner in which she it began. She took a risk, made alot of money, presumably lived well for 13 years and is now blaming everyone but herself for her problems...the US Government, the court system, her public defender, people who worked for her and the people who used her service. When the story first broke she told Top Gun that the names of clients was a salacious detail of which she had no knowledge. Now we are supposed to believe that she has names?

Have you ever wondered why powerful/wealthy people like a politician or a sheikh never get busted in any prostitution sting - the only people that Fox and COPS busts are the low wage earners.

Palfrey is a convicted criminal and served time in CA for the same thing that she is being prosecuted for right now.
I doubt seriously that she is innocent.
The real truth will come out eventually. Her sad story is just a smoke screen!

Wings, I seriously doubt the government is innocent. Why is the government wasting tax dollars going after Ms. Palfrey? And why is she the only escort service operator being charged, here? What really is going on?

I feel as long as the corrupt Government does not get a dime or a dollar, it is illegal! The government is greedy and if they are not receiving tax, it is illegal. The government is corrupt and when they do ileegal things(Iraq war) who controls or regulates them, no one. My point is if the government does illegal activities(Bush election and Iraq war), why can't WE!

Their are some audio clips of Ms. Palfry on the wsradio.com web site. This case is going to get interesting. Doesn't the government have better things to do like track down terrorist than go after a madam!

Deborah, The Destitute
How curious: that on her web site Ms. Palfrey refers to her plight as a "true David And Goliath story." David was a shepherd boy in The Old Testament whom became a king. Why does Ms. Palfrey make a religious reference when she profited from the so-called world's oldest profession?

Frankly I think this is wonderful!
Looks like the gov't has gone after the wrong "chikie-Babe" this time.

Wouldn't it be just peachy if she went to trial and called on about 100 big shots who would, I'm sure, swear on a stack of bibles that "No, I never had sex with that woman!"

I just think it's great and I hope she calls on Senators and Congressmen and Lobbyists and gets off Scott free.

Yet another scandal amongst our leaders in D.C.. What has our nation slipped in to? Poor and immoral leadership,greed, and corruption have turned our country into something that is very hard to be proud of anymore.

Publish the list and get rid of all of them. Pity? Not from me, those people on that list certainly have none for the working people they are supposed to govern. Let them suffer like they have made us do.

Just another example of our government "creating cirminals". People have sex...always have...always will. Our government needs to get off its Moral high-horse and go after the real criminals.

Yes this is true. Stop putting our tax dollars up for these DC officals defense and put it towards our health care, our educations, and towards bringing our troops home. Im tired of this bull!

Why is she being prosecuted? Other than possible tax evasion, why is there any other crime here?

What two consenting adults do in private is legally there own business.

If there was sex involved, and the probably was, why is it wrong?

Why is it legally okay for a woman to have sex with 5 men a night without money exchanging hands, but if she charges any of them it suddenly becomes illegal?

Why is sex the only thing that you can give away legally, but if you try to sell it, it is illegal?

Sell the List on Ebay!

This would more than take care of her legal fees. Between the "news" organizations and the politicians on the list competing, the bids would become astronomical.

1. I knew I liked her when she gave her records to the news organization owned by Disney.

2. Johns are always getting away with murder.

3. She was set up.

4. Harlan K. Ullman hurt young women.. but then his plans killed almost a million so far.

5. You go girl... this great grandma is on your side.

Is their any way to prevent the prosecutors from using out hard earned tax dollars for this...

ABC as you know will not publish the list probably because all their names are on it too. Ha! Repubs, right wings are ALWAYS going to have an excuse for everything that they do that is a-moral. They must keep a list of any deviant behavior with a, b and c, canned excuse next to it and Oh. . . I forgot d "All of the above".
The bush administration is the most corrupt in US history. TOP to the BOTTOM. "The Most Corrupt"! Do any of the righties understand that all these men are doing this on YOUR DIME and mine? They are getting paid to have sex on the side while all the time hauling around their third or fourth "Trophy Wife" for their photo ops in their jets and limos, while winking at their "boy fiend". You are paying for them to have fun, my fine feathered friends. YOU! Don't you think that you could better spend your money yourself? Besides that bush himself is an alchy and appears drunk and or stoned when giving speeches. Trust me Righties, I know a stoner when I see one. And W is one! The wingers are letting a known alcoholic and drug abuser RUN THE COUNTRY! Why can't they admit this. . . It's obvious righties are all alike and do just like their PRESIDENT does, that is why the fools elected the twit twice!.

The government harassment of American citizens will flourish only if we let it.
One of our American celebrated reasons for overthowing a government: "He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harrass our people, and eat out their substance." (Declaration of Independence, 1776) Unfortunately, the price of freedom and justice may simply be too high. Who knows: It may now be a federal crime to even quote the Declaration of Independence and point out how insightful it really was.

D.C. MADAM IS CREEPY

Deborah Jeane Palfrey is a more decent human being than her tormentors.

She should release one Justice department official's name and one White House person's name.

The Justice department person's name should be released to establish that police should not harrass businesses of which their bosses are customers.

The White House person's name should be released to establish that society should not harrass people to whom their duly elected representatives go for services.

Looks like 20/20 dropped the ball again. How could you miss a US Senator's name tied up in this thing? Did you intentionally hide it or was it a case of poor journalism?

Sounds like the black book of 1918
That trial of the century was removed clean out of all books.
The list there had 47000 names.
The list here is 46000 phone records.
The listed are not womenizers or machos or ordinary sinners.
They are power brokers, gay, Lutheran Shock and Awe agitators of all wars.
And they are only the cover for the real pimps somewhere underground.

Noel
Trial of the Century