NOT GUILTY/COMPLETE ACQUITTAL at BENCH TRIAL: PROSTITUTION- State v. Ms. M (DMC No. 8114) Oct. 23, 2008 (Tempe City Court No. 08-061683): Ms. M had an Ad under the listing of “Erotic Services” on Craigslist. Undercover Tempe Detectives set up a sting operation. One Officer contacted her and asked her how much it was ”for her services”. She responded that it was $350 and he got her down to $300. When she showed up at his hotel room, she matched the photograph that was in the Ad. He asked her if she was the one who placed the advertisement, and when she said yes, she was immediately arrested.
At Bench Trial we were able to show that no sex acts were discussed, nor was any money exchanged. In fact, she had only walked in the room and stated that she had posted the Ad. The judge ruled in our favor and found that there were no elements of Prostitution given the evidence presented, and a verdict of Not Guilty was rendered. Ms. M was Acquitted of all charges.