Arrest, Search, Seizure, Warrant Could this be considered entrapment

[dcoleman]

My husband is a massage therapist and has been for 5 years. He often posts ads on craigs list and he was recently involved in a sting operation. My husband has never had any run in with the law what so ever. He received a call from a "client" requesting his service and he obliged. The woman asked if he would be able to come to the hotel they were at and he agreed (he specializes in outcalls). He was in his scrub uniform that says Massage Therapist on the back and he took up his massage table, sheets and oils. Upon entering they propositioned him and he laughed it off out of nervousness. He asked who would be getting the massage first and began preparing for the massage. The women kept insisting that he take the money first and despite his reservations he agreed and took the money and immediately set it on the dresser. A few moments later police came in and arrested him for prostitution. They had him remove his uniform shirt that said massage therapist and took him to jail. However they allowed him to take all of his massage materials to his car. He met with his public defender and after reading the police reports immediately said they were pleading not guilty. The police reports were fabricated greatly. I have heard that Claims of entrapment can be notoriously difficult to prove. Some successful claims against law enforcement agencies have centered around the idea of a 'virtue test'. Police cannot select random citizens to participate in organized sting operations in hopes of generating an arrest. There must be some compelling evidence that a specific individual has a propensity for committing such a crime. Would this be considered one of those rare cases and what should our next step be.

 

[Duranie]

Your husband should consult with a priovate attorney if he is not comfortable with his PD.

With all due respect, is it possible your husband has fabricated some of it as well? Since you were not there, the judge and jury will have to determine who is more believeable. Random citizens are targeted for these sting operations all the time. As far as I know it's legal. It's possible perhaps your husband had a complaint of this nature and that is why they conducted this sting?

Is your husband licensed to do this? Craigs list is a hot spot for sexual services and unlicensed therapists. Some jurisdictions are cracking down on unlicensed massage therapists, and people who use craig list to offer what appears to be legit services, but turns out to be sex.