Escort Offers 'Toys For Tots' Discount To Johns
Competition has spiked among retailers this holiday season, and the sex industry is no exception. A Texas escort is trying to beat the competition by offering discounts to charitable customers who are willing to help needy children.
The escort, a 37-year-old from Houston who goes by "Shelby," recently began marketing herself online as "Santa's Little Helper."
Shelby is competing for the attention of holiday Johns by advertising a pre-Christmas "Toys for Tots Special" to convince consumers to open their wallets for a "sensual" experience.
"I am currently having a Holiday Special. Book 1 Hour, Bring an unwrapped gift for a boy or girl, and receive 1 Hour Free," Shelby wrote in an ad on an escort directory website.
A review of her services by a John named "Wolfhunter" states that she charged him $200 an hour for a "pathway to utter euphoria and bliss." With the "Toys for Tots Special," this man would be entitled to double the bang for his buck.
Shelby also promised to "captivate your mind, and tantalize your senses," and dared customers to "Try and Put My Fire Out!"
Earlier this week, Houston's KTRK-TV called the number listed on the Internet advertisement. An individual who answered the phone reportedly identified herself as a woman who was recently convicted for operating an Internet-based prostitution operation in Fort Bend County, the news station reported.
The number has since been disconnected, and Shelby did not respond to an email request for comment from The Huffington Post.
The U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots program rounds up tens of thousands of gifts each year, distributing them through charitable organizations, police departments and churches to needy children. Major Brian Murray, Vice President of the nonprofit group, told KTRK and The Huffington Post that Shelby is not affiliated with the organization.
"Toys for Tots is a children's charity. No further comment is necessary," Murray told The Huffington Post.
Shelby's idea is not as innovative as it might seem. In fact, a similar ad was posted to an escort Website in December 2007. The ad ran under the headline "Santa's Little Helper," and stated, "This month, I am donating one unwrapped toy to Chicagoland Toys for Tots for every client I see." The poster used the name Cadence. The profile has since been deleted, so it is unclear whether Shelby took a clue from the Chicago ad or whether she is somehow connected to Cadence.
Regarding the most recent case, the Houston Police Department said that they have launched an investigation based on a tip from KTRK-TV.
"Channel 13 brought it to our attention on Monday. I guess it was emailed to them," Houston Police Department spokesman John Cannon told The Huffington Post. "Our vice division was not aware of that particular ad at the time. ... We immediately began an investigation into it."
Cannon said no arrests have been made and the investigation is ongoing.
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Posted: 12/15/11 04:48 PM ET