WASHINGTON – A woman accused of running a high-end Washington prostitution ring says the U.S. government may be targeting her because Muslim men used her escort service before the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
In court papers filed this week, Deborah Jeane Palfrey said she might have to divulge classified information to defend herself against racketeering charges. She said the information — possibly including the identities of customers from the Middle East — could have national security implications.
She is asking a federal judge to schedule a secret hearing to discuss the information.
Palfrey says she ran a legitimate escort service in the Washington area. Prosecutors say her employees provided sex for money from 1993 to 2006.
Prosecutors would not immediately comment on Palfrey's claim of potentially having classified information.
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