Mummers, Downtowners Deny Knowledge Of Prostitution Ring
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - The Philadelphia Mummers Association and Downtowners Fancy Brigade are denying any knowledge or approval of the operation of a monthly sex club crashed by police Tuesday inside the Downtowners' hall in South Philadelphia.
"This was not a Mummers' prostitution ring nor a Downtowners Fancy Brigade prostitution ring," the statement reads.
Both groups claim the hall was a rental. And, if the allegations about the monthly sex and booze party inside the building in the 100 block of Snyder Avenue in South Philadelphia are true, then they are as much victims as anyone else.
Sixty-five year-old Lawrence Crovetti of Feasterville, was charged with promoting prostitution and related offenses.
Ten women also were arrested for soliciting two undercover officers who paid a $30 cover charge to get inside Tuesday night.
Deputy Commissioner William Blackburn says there were more than 50 men inside at the time of Tuesday night's raid.
"The Johns were not arrested because we weren't privy to the conversations between the males and the females where there was a price and a particular act that was identified."
The Downtowners Fancy Bridge leadership, shocked that two of its executive board members were tied to the operation, says it is cooperating with Philadelphia police.
Reported by Mark Abrams, KYW Newsradio 1060
