Senator Won't Testify in 'DC Madam' Case

Defense rests without calling witnesses; Vitter off the hook
By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff
Posted Apr 14, 2008 11:57 AM CDT
Senator Won't Testify in 'DC Madam' Case
Sen. David Vitter, R-La., accompanied by his wife Wendy Vitter, speaks during a news conference in Metairie, La., in this July 16, 2007 file photo.    (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File)

Louisiana Sen. David Vitter will be spared an embarrassing trip to the witness stand in the trial of Deborah Palfrey, the so-called “DC Madam,” CQ Politics reports. The defense and prosecution both rested today, with the defense declining to call any witnesses. The Republican lawmaker, who has admitted using Palfrey’s service, was on the defense’s witness list.

Also spared were military strategist Harlan Ullman and former State Department official Randall Tobias, the AP reports. The jury will now decide the case based solely on prosecution evidence, with the defense expected to argue that Palfrey—charged with money-laundering and racketeering—was running a “high-end erotic fantasy service,” and was unaware of the prostitution going on. (More David Vitter stories.)

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