Provider vs Scheduler

A provider hires a person to answer phones, screen clients, schedule appointments. This person has the phone in her name, posts ads in her name (using the providers pics, trade name, etc.) from her laptop, etc. Sometimes books incall hotel rooms in her name on her credit card. What liability does she face versus the provider? It seems to me she is guilty of racketeering and promotion of prostitution which are more serious charges that just plain old prostitution.

Provider + Scheduler = Conspiracy (two people conspiring to break the law)

I think the concern is well founded. And if scheduling more than one gal, LE can look at her as a bigger fish, worth more effort than a lone gal. Take down the scheduler, you may take down multiple ladies, multiple johns. Looks impressive on the 10 PM news show.

Further, if said scheduler works across state lines with a traveling provider, then it is interstate, federal laws, FBI get involved. Really looks exciting on the 10 PM news.

My take on LE's efforts are they concentrate on:

1. Streetwalkers that are obvious, taking these down looks good to local residents who see these SWs as a blight on the community. And if you look at mugshots of a lot of these, it is no wonder.

2. AMPS: Usually these have flashy signs that causes local residents heartache, and potential for multiple busts at one time. Looks great on the news, and they can always throw out that they busted a ring that was forcing girls to perform. I know there are a lot here who dispute those claims, but appearances are what LE is about. They appear to be doing a good deed on many levels.

3. Strip Clubs: Again, usually flashy, multiple busts at one time, etc.

4. High end escort services that cross state lines frequently: Feds get a chance for some air time on the news, get to embarass the rich and haughty, etc.

Lot of others in the middle.

Low on the target: Single gals plying their trade rather UTR in nature. To a large degree, most any of the ECCIE providers can fall into this category. While perhaps not UTR to us guys here, they are UTR to Joe Q. and Jane E. Public. While it might raise a few eyebrows, it takes a lot of work to take out just one provider, and the payback on the 10 PM news is much less.

When groups band together, and when LE can use big legal terms like conspiracy, rackateering, money laundering, etc., that looks more exciting to the news producers and makes the culprits seem like they are more despicable, closer to terrorist than small business entrepenuers.

All the more reason for decriminalization. Let women of age without any undo influence use market forces and the feminine wiles to earn a few bucks. Plus if decriminalized, it becomes taxable income.

I believe the charge is called Pandering in most locations

pander 1) v. to solicit customers for a prostitute. 2) n. a pimp, who procures customers for a prostitute or lures a woman into prostitution, all for his own profit. 3) v. catering to special interests without any principles, such as a politician who says to whatever group he/she is addressing just what they want to hear to win their support, contributions, or favors. (See: prostitute)

The following is the Texas state law that applies to those who aid a provider in her business for pay:

Texas Penal Code Sec. 43.03. PROMOTION OF PROSTITUTION.
(a) A person commits an offense if, acting other than as a prostitute receiving compensation for personally rendered prostitution services, he or she knowingly:
(1) receives money or other property pursuant to an agreement to participate in the proceeds of prostitution; or
(2) solicits another to engage in sexual conduct with another person for compensation.
(b) An offense under this section is a Class A misdemeanor.

See Tex. Penal Code § 43.03.

In Texas, a Class A misdemeanor is punishable by up to one year in county jail and a $4,000 fine. Plain vanilla, first-offense prostitution is a Class B misdemeanor punishable by up to 180 days in county jail and a $2,000 fine.