Guide Note
Deborah Jeane Palfrey, known as the "DC Madam," was convicted of running a prostitution ring on April 15, 2008. She was found guilty of money laundering and racketeering. On May 1, 2008, Palfey was found dead at her mother's home in an apparent suicide.
Palfey's mother, Blanche Palfrey, filed a lawsuit on August 5, 2008, in an attempt to keep photos of Palfrey's suicide away from the press.
Fast Facts
- Resided in Escondido, California
- Former owner of Pamela Martin and Associates alleged prostitution ring
- Palfrey said services offered were legal
- Arrested in 1990 for prostitution
- Born: 1956 in Charleroi, Pennsylvania
- Convicted: April 15, 2008
- Died: May 1, 2008
Charges
Palfrey was charged with racketeering and prostitution in October of 2006. After pleading not guilty to the charges, Palfrey released her client notebooks to ABC News, which led to the resignation of Randall L. Tobias, a Bush Administration official. According to Palfrey, the services offered were legal 'adult fantasy' catering.
Conviction
On April 15, 2008, Palfrey was convicted of running a high-end prostitution ring. Palfrey's attorney said that if the escorts were having sex with clients, Palfrey was unaware. The week-long trial included testimony from 13 former 'escorts' who testified against her. She was found guilty of money laundering and racketeering.
Suicide
On May 1, 2008, Palfrey was found dead in Florida in an apparent suicide. Her body was found in a small storage shed near her mother's mobile home in Tarpon Springs, Florida. Police found a handwritten suicide note near the scene.
Photo Suit
In the lawsuit filed in August of 2008, Deborah Jeane Palfrey's mother, Blanche Palfrey, claims that the photographs taken by police at the scene and by the medical examiner during the autopsy would be inappropriate to release and would cause her, and any children that may see them, severe emotional distress. The lawsuit stated that because of the constant media attention of the incident, that releasing the photos would "not serve any legitimate purpose as far as keeping the public informed."
As of August 7, 2008, the Tarpon Springs Police Department had not released any photos regarding the suicide, stating that the investigation was ongoing. Jim Yacavone, an attorney for the town, added that city officials plan to adhere to local laws, which includes releasing the photos, unless they are told otherwise by the court. At the time the lawsuit was filed, TheSmokingGun.com was the only outlet that has requested the photos.
Categories
