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)
