A Spokane, Wash., prostitute is being investigated for attempting to extort $1,000 from a Republican state representative about an alleged sexual tryst.
The Spokesman-Review of Spokane reported Tuesday that Cody Castagna and Rep. Richard Curtis of La Center, Wash., allegedly met at the Hollywood Erotic Boutique, a local adult bookstore, last week. Castagna, 26, told police that he and Curtis then went to a hotel room, where the men "engaged in mutual sexual activities" after Curtis rented two gay adult movies, according to Spokane police.
After the assignation, Castagna allegedly left the hotel with Curtis's wallet. He then called Curtis, demanding $1,000 and threatening to tell his wife about the tryst. Curtis told Castagna he had only $200, which Castagna says he left in an envelope for Castagna to pick up at the hotel's front desk. He picked up the money but called Curtis again asking for the remaining $800.
Curtis, however, denies that the tryst took place. "I committed no crime," Curtis told The Columbian newspaper of Clark County on Monday. "I did not solicit sex. I was trying to help somebody out."
Curtis said he was in Spokane for a strategy session with other Republican lawmakers. He said he is not gay and that "I have not had sex with a guy."
No criminal charges have been filed so far in the case. Castagna has been questioned by police but not arrested. (The Advocate)
