Court backs stay of prostitution prosecutions

Thursday, Sept. 13, 2001 | 9:26 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- The Nevada Supreme Court Wednesday refused to allow the Clark County district attorney's office to go forward with prosecuting 56 cases of prostitution until it considers whether there is sex discrimination involved.

The district attorney's office sought to overturn an order by District Judge Joseph Bonaventure, who stayed prosecution of the cases while they were appealed to the Supreme Court.

The court said it would not order Bonaventure to reverse his ruling.

Las Vegas defense lawyer William Terry maintains the district attorney's office discriminates in prosecuting female prostitutes while letting their first-time male customers off easier.

Terry, who represents Virginia A. Salaiscooper in this test case, says District Attorney Stewart Bell has a policy of making prostitutes either plead guilty or go on trial, with no plea bargains accepted.

But the mostly male customers who are arrested for the first time are given an opportunity for a plea bargain, which would remove the criminal charge if they attend a one-day counseling session on the dangers of prostitution. The session costs $400.

Justice of the Peace Jennifer Togliatti and Bonaventure have both ruled that the policy does not violate the federal or state constitutions.

Bell said he respects the Supreme Court's decision and looks forward to arguing before the court.

'I hope we can argue it at the earliest possible time so we can get back to business," Bell said.

Terry said the Supreme Court's decision will likely prompt other attorneys to ask for stays in their prostitution cases.

"I'm obviously very happy the Nevada Supreme Court has ruled on a part of the issue before them and upheld Judge Bonaventure's stay," Terry said.

The Supreme Court has not yet set a date to hear the case.

Sun reporter Kim Smith contributed to this report