http://omaha.com/article/20100423/NE...n-ring-alleged
A two-state prostitution ring named Friday in a federal indictment operated for a dozen years, stepping up its promotions during major Omaha events such as the College World Series.
The indictment alleges that the ring was run out of a lakeside home in a gated Carter Lake community.
Money paid to escorts employed by customers was characterized as “tips” and “could amount to hundreds or even thousands of dollars,” says the federal grand jury's indictment.
Federal prosecutors say the ring operated in Nebraska and Iowa, advertising itself under different names as an “escort service,” but that it was a front for prostitution. At least one of the escorts who worked at the business was younger than 18.
Richard Costanzo of Carter Lake and three other people were indicted on charges of running the prostitution operation.
Costanzo, 43, was arrested Friday.
He was charged with conspiracy, using interstate commerce to promote prostitution, transportation with intent to promote prostitution, enticing a minor to travel with intent to engage in prostitution and money laundering.
The indictment says he took out loans totaling more than $176,000 for a home mortgage and three vehicles and repaid them within months, often in cash.
No one answered the door Friday evening at Costanzo's Carter Lake home, located in a gated community on the water.
Also indicted in the case were Theresa Costanzo, 36, of Omaha, Costanzo's sister; Janna Wasko, 37, of Papillion, his ex-wife; and Michael Wasko, 35, of Papillion, Janna Wasko's husband.
The Waskos and Theresa Costanzo worked at the business in various capacities, according to the indictments.
Richard Costanzo is president of Dream Girls Inc., according to the U.S. Attorney's Office in Nebraska.
The home page at the business's website says, “Our girls are available 24 hours a day, and can be at your doorstep within one hour ... (and) can accommodate any situation.”
The website says its services were available only in the Omaha-Council Bluffs area and within about a 20-mile radius of 72nd and Dodge Streets.
“Omaha can tend to be a boring place, so spice things up a bit with a night you'll never forget,” the website says.
In addition to the website and other advertising, cars with magnetic signs touting 24-hour adult entertainment would be driven around the Omaha area when numerous visitors were in the area.
The prostitution ring operated from about February 1997 until the end of November, federal prosecutors say. The business used several names, including Bare Assets and Bada Bing Girls.
Federal authorities also are seeking to seize Richard Costanzo's home at 1013 Shoal Pointe Drive in Carter Lake, seven cars and about $3,140 in cash.
The home was assessed at more than $296,000 in 2010, according to Pottawattamie County records.
Initial court appearances are Monday for Richard Costanzo and May 19 for Theresa Costanzo and Michael and Janna Wasko.