Seven days. That's how many days had passed since New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer received three standing ovations during a speech in New Albany. Who then would have thought that Spitzer was about to be accused of soliciting sex from prostitutes? Nothing amazes me anymore, but I am sure the citizens of New York are less then pleased with Spitzer's alleged improprieties.
Yesterday, the New York Times identified Spitzer as "Client 9," an individual who was named in a federal indictment filed last week involving the Emperors Club, an alleged prostitution ring that caters to upscale clients. According to the indictment, FBI wiretap recordings captured conversations "Client 9" had with an employee of the Emperors Club, in which "Client 9" made arrangements to meet a prostitute at a Washington hotel last month.
On Feb. 14, the prostitute who allegedly met with "Client 9" called the Emperors Club to let them know how the appointment went.
"I don't think he's difficult. I mean it's just kind of like whatever," Kristen said, according to the indictment. "I'm here for a purpose. I know what my purpose is. I am not a moron. You know what I mean."
The indictment lists the Emperors Club Web site as Emperorsclubvip.com. That site has since been removed from the Internet, but the Google-cached welcome page, dated Feb. 12, reads in part:
"We specialize in marketing fashion models, pageant winners and exquisite students, graduates and women of successful careers (finance, art, media etc…) to leading gentlemen of the world. Catering to clients who will not compromise in any area of their life. We provide our customers and associates with complete discretion and privacy while we guarantee the most exclusively valuable dating and travel companionship. You can be certain that each Emperors Club model introduction experience, while it may be novel for you, will be one of complete enjoyment in every way."
The cached version of a separate page on the site lists "introduction" rates. The fees varied and were based on "individual education, sophistication, and ambiance." Hourly rates ranged from $1,000 to $3,100, and daily rates ranged from $10,000 to $31,000.
