Update on the “DC Madam”

No we're not talking about the new speaker of the house (at least I hope we're not); we're talking about Deborah Jeane Palfrey, the operator of an "escort" service that used to serve "well-heeled" clients in the DC area.

Please refer to the Chi-Square Distribution VOB entry from a few weeks ago for some background. The interesting thing about this case, at least from the Bruck perspective, is the fact that Ms. Palfrey was threatening to divulge her substantial list of clients, ostensibly to help pay for her legal fees. But a federal judge barred her from selling her records, effectively shutting down this handy little avenue for potential profit and extortion.

But there was nothing stopping her from giving away the list, which is what she apparently did, handing over 46 pounds of records to ABC News, no strings attached. The records apparently detail activity between 2002 and 2006, and contain information on 10,000 to 15,000 clients. ABC has already "outed" two of them, both in high level positions in the Bush administration, one of whom has already resigned, and the other of whom is stonewalling. In either case, somebody’s "got some 'splaining to do." You can look up their names and other details elsewhere on the web - I prefer to participate in the mudslinging from a safe distance!

You can imagine my mixed feelings about the records turnover. On the one hand, we've got some sunlight shining its antiseptic rays onto the smarmy underbelly of our nation’s capital, which from a taxpayer’s perspective, is always a good thing. But on the other hand, since the gatekeeper is a member in good standing of the mainstream media, I’m disappointed at the premise of having to wait until after the 2008 elections for anyone associated with the left side of the aisle to be outed. Maybe they’ll surprise me - they’re supposedly going to air a show on the topic on May 4^th, so I’ll reserve judgment till then. Meanwhile, I’m guessing that not too many of the 10,000 to 15,000+ clients on the list are sleeping well these days. And for that matter, if I were one of the escorts, I’d be sleeping with a good luck charm under my pillow. Like a Smith & Wesson or a Glock.

Meanwhile, the IRS has siezed the DC Madam’s considerable assets and savings. So you might be wondering, since she gave all of her records to ABC News, how exactly is she paying for her legal defense? Well, faithful readers, fear not, the almighty internet comes to the rescue! Palfrey set up a legal defense fund website, and it would appear that people actually donated to it. However, she is no longer panhandling by this medium. I quote from her “Donation Information” page:

I would like to thank all those who have thoughtfully donated to my legal defense fund. The monies have been wisely spent in my fight against the United States Government. Nonetheless, I have come to discover of late that the considerable press and subsequent attention shown me has had an ancillary benefit, in the form of various financial opportunities.

Therefore, I now find myself in a position whereby I no longer need to rely upon the kindness of strangers. Again, thank you to those individuals who sympathized with my plight and helped me.

Considering that the Son of Sam law prevents her from benefiting financially from criminal activity (alleged at this time, innocent till proven guilty, blah blah blah), we’re left wondering what those various financial opportunities are. But what I’m really wondering (and is this related to the “various financial opportunities?”) is:

Who are these “kind strangers” who donated money to her legal defense fund…?

…and why?