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Samantha Hayes Reporting New claims of evidence tonight about an escort service operating right across the street from Brighton High School that allegedly recruited underage girls. The evidence is potentially incriminating and has triggered a fight between the escort service and Cottonwood Heights.
The business is firing back, scoffing at the so-called evidence and claiming its services are legal. This information is coming out because the Doll House filed a lawsuit against the city to protect client information, including their names.
Police say they even have documentation that underage girls from nearby Brighton High School were being approached by the escort service.
Before deputies broke down the door of the Cottonwood Heights residence; they claim evidence of potential criminal activity was already in hand. In a memorandum filed by the attorney for the city, "photographs were being taken inside the garage and that a man operating the agency promised young women they could earn as much as $5,000.00 a week."
The investigation started in March when an LDS church Bishop, who was once a vice-squad police officer, told police a young woman confided in him that "photographs were being taken inside the garage and that a man operating the agency promised young women they could earn as much as $5,000.00 a week.
The affidavit goes on to claim police collected substantial evidence including client lists, prices and locations where they met.
In its lawsuit, the Doll House claims using that evidence violates privacy rights. Peter Stirba, attorney for the city, says that information is protected for now.
Peter Stirba, Attorney for Cottonwood Heights: "It's protected and confidential under state law. It would not be released until and unless there is a public prosecution."
At the core of this case is whether the Dollhouse is an escort service or an illegal front for prostitution. Police say a former employee is willing the testify escorts are forced to get naked for customers, or they cannot work there.
Peter Stirba: "There is no question of the evidentiary value of what was seized. Everything seized could possibly be used in criminal prosecution."
The city also plans to file a motion to dismiss the Doll House's lawsuit tomorrow. Expect a counter from the Doll house. I spoke with their attorney tonight who is planning to oppose this memorandum and claims the police have no incriminating evidence against his client.
