Caught: Internet Sex Sting Operation

Senator Stabenow’s Husband Caught @ Exit

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Story Published: Apr 3, 2008 at 2:00 PM EDT

Story Updated: Apr 3, 2008 at 2:00 PM EDT

There are all types of words associated with the word sex. One of the most popular words is “Internet”, and police agencies are using the tool to catch people on the wrong side of the law. The latest is the husband of Senator Debbie Stabenow.

According to a recent police report, U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow’s husband told police he used the Internet to make a “date” with a prostitute he and paid her $150 for sex at a hotel in Metro Detroit.

Thomas Athans, who is the co-founder of the liberal TalkUSA Radio network, was stopped by police who were investigating Internet-based prostitution at a hotel – this according to a police report which The Associated Press obtained under the state’s Freedom of Information Act. This story on the case was reported first by The Detroit Free Press and the Detroit News in stories on their Web sites.

The police report said that Troy police had set up a stakeout at the Residence Inn after learning of suspected prostitution at a room there February 25th. Officers said they saw Mr. Athans enter the room the next day and leave 15 minutes later. Athans' car was stopped and he was informed that the police were investigating prostitution.

Mr. Athans informed officers that he had just met a female at the Residence Inn, where he paid for sex. The report said the woman performed oral sex on Athans. Police department spokesman Lt. Gerry Scherlinck said he was cooperative and "didn't drop any names or ask for preferential treatment of any kind.

At that point police didn’t bring any sex charges against him, but they later mailed him a ticket for driving with a suspended license. According to the Michigan Department of State, Athans’ license was suspended last year for failure to pay a ticket for driving without proof of insurance. Court records show he has since paid the fine, and the state restored his license in mid-March.

Police arrested 20 year old Alycia Martin of Westland, in the hotel room on a charge of prostitution and confiscated a cell phone, laptop and $431. Martin was freed on a $100 cash bond. She was arraigned in Troy District Court on March 12th and will return for a pretrial hearing on April 22, 2008. Martin has no telephone listing in Westland, nor does she have an attorney of record at this time.

Athans said in a statement issued by his attorney that "no words can fully express how sorry I am. At the time this incident occurred, I took responsibility for my actions and fully cooperated with law enforcement. My family and I are dealing with this matter in a personal and private way" he said.

Senator Stabenow’s statement, said it was "very disturbing and serious. The senator stated that work is her focus, not the sex case. I’m continuing to be focused on the things that matter most to Michigan families. Obviously it's a deeply difficult and personal matter."

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