Judge slaps gag order on escort service ‘madam’

A WOMAN accused of running a Washington prostitution ring has been ordered not to release any more phone records that could implicate former customers.

Deborah Jeane Palfrey, aged 51, of Vallejo, California, is charged in federal court with racketeering and money-laundering associated with prostitution.

Prosecutors say Palfrey’s business, which she says was a legal escort service, netted over $2 million (€1.47 million) from 1993 to 2006.

US District Court Judge Gladys Kessler issued a similar order in March, but Palfrey gave her phone records to ABC News before the order took effect, saying she hoped a network investigation would compel former customers to testify they hadn’t received sex.

A report last week on the 20/20 news magazine mentioned Nasa officials, military officers, chief executives and a career Justice Department prosecutor as clients but did not publicly identify the individuals.

Judge Kessler was concerned about statements Palfrey — dubbed the DC Madam — made saying she would release phone records not previously given to ABC News. A hearing date was set for May 21.