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March 10, 2008

Spitzer linked to prostitution ring

By Mike Manzoni
Staff Writer
Federal investigators have linked New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer to a high-priced prostitution ring in the nation's capital, The New York Times reported Monday afternoon.

The 47-page affidavit from a prostitution bust last Thursday refers to a "Client 9," who, according to two anonymous sources close to the probe, is the name used by the prostitution ring for Eliot Spitzer.

The affidavit did not mention Spitzer by name, but sources close to the investigation say he paid prostitutes as much as $4,300 at a trendy Washington hotel last month to have sex with him.

In a press conference delivered an hour after the news broke on The New York Times Web site, Spitzer was apologetic, but he did not directly admit guilt.

"I have acted in a way that violates my obligation to my family and violates my or any sense of right or wrong," Spitzer said, appearing with his wife Silda at his Manhattan office. "I apologize first and most importantly to my family. I apologize to the public to whom I promised better."

At the press conference, Spitzer took no questions, walking offstage to reporters shouting "Are you resigning?"

The incident allegedly occurred on the evening of Feb. 13, the night before Valentine's Day, when room 871 was booked under the name George Fox, a pseudonym that federal investigators say was used by "Client 9" on previous stays.

The visit came after a cash deposit was made with the Emperor's Club, an online prostitution ring, who sent one of their prostitutes, Kristen, to the room.

The prostitute, Kristen, identified as a young, brunette, allegedly visited "Client 9," at the Mayflower, an upscale Washington hotel, after taking a trip on the Amtrak train from New York City.

Kristen was dispatched to the hotel after Temeka Rachelle Lewis, the ring's booking agent, sent a text message to Kristen, reading: "If D.C. appt. happens u will need 2 leave NYC @ 4:45 p.m."

The affidavit shows that "Client 9," also agreed to cover all of the expenses of Kristen's travel on an Amtrak from New York City to Washington.

Spitzer is a supporter of Sen. Hillary Clinton in the presidential election. The Clinton campaign press office did not respond to repeated requests for comment from The Chronicle.

Spitzer is married, with three children.

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