Police investigate after teen calls escort from hospital
April 2, 2003, 8:42 AM


ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) -- Police are investigating the case of a 15-year-old patient, who they say called an escort service for sex at a hospital.

An employee at University of Michigan C.S. Mott Children's Hospital called police after hearing the teenager and the escort negotiate a fee Sunday evening, according to the university's department of public safety.

"It's a bizarre tale," Capt. Joe Piersante told The Ann Arbor News. "I've never heard anything exactly like this before."

Piersante said statutory rape or soliciting sex charges could be filed.

Police believe the boy called the escort from his hospital room, but had sex somewhere else.

Piersante said he does not think the escort knew the boy was 15 -- which is below the legal age of consent -- but she still could be charged with third-degree criminal sexual conduct.

Investigators were working to identify the woman.

Hospital spokeswoman Kara Gavin said staff members are cooperating with police.

"We have extensive security here, especially for infants and young children," Gavin said. "Teenagers and younger adults obviously can have visitors and use the phone, and we're always trying to strike a balance. We expect everyone -- staff and patients -- to uphold the law while they're here."

The case will be forwarded to the Washtenaw County prosecutor's office to decide what charges could be filed.

http://www.freep.com/news/statewire...18_20030402.htm

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