By Ed White
Associated Press
DETROIT (AP) -- Federal prosecutors were ordered last Friday to turn over a computer disc containing more than 30,000 names allegedly linked to an international prostitution ring based in Florida.
U.S. District Judge Arthur Tarnow granted a defense lawyer's request for the disc but said the contents cannot be copied, printed or shared with anyone besides the lawyer's client, Greg Carr.
"It's as safe with me as it is with them," attorney Paul DeCailly said, referring to the U.S. attorney's office.
Carr has been charged with conspiring to run a prostitution ring. Prosecutors say his company, Miami Companions, spent a decade arranging high-priced trysts in many large U.S. cities, along with Mexico, Colombia and Costa Rica.
Carr and others were indicted last year in Detroit, which, according to prosecutors, was one of the hottest places for business. His ex-wife and an office manager have pleaded guilty in the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Blackwell held up the computer disc in court last Friday and described it as the "so-called black book" of the business. DeCailly, who said he's entitled to see all evidence as he prepares for trial, asked the judge to intervene in a dispute over viewing the contents.
The government had wanted DeCailly to look at the disc and take notes only in the presence of investigators. Blackwell said there was concern the disc, which includes names, email addresses and sexual preferences, would be used to harass Carr's former customers.
Tarnow, however, ordered her to share it with DeCailly under strict conditions.
The judge jokingly asked if there was a copy for reporters in the courtroom.
"No, your honor," the prosecutor dryly replied.
"I tried, guys," Tarnow said.
DeCailly later told reporters it wasn't practical for him to look at the disc in the presence of the FBI.
"I do the majority of my work from 9 at night until 3 in the morning," he said.
Published: Tue, Jan 11, 2011
