Behind the Emporer's Club Escort Service
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/07/nyregion/07emperor.html?_r=1&hp&oref=slogin
Its boss was Mark Brener, 62. He dealt with a stack of medical bills for his late wife by starting the escort service, an idea that dawned on him several years ago as he surveyed sex-related advertisements in the weekly newspaper The Village Voice, an associate of Mr. Brener’s said.
The venture reinvigorated Mr. Brener. He dyed his hair black, donned a leather jacket and recruited three women to help him. The four seemingly had little in common beyond a desire for extra money and a willingness to earn it in alternative ways.
Cecil Suwal, now 23, a graduate of an elite New Jersey prep school, became operations manager for the service in 2004, the authorities say.
Temeka Rachelle Lewis, 32, whom friends describe as a reserved and bookish graduate of the
University of Virginia, scheduled meetings between willing young women and wealthy men, the authorities said.
Assisting in that work, they say, was Tanya Hollander, 36. She joined the business hoping extra money would help support a new career as a holistic living counselor, her fiancé said.
“She is one of the sweetest, kindest people you’ll ever meet,” said the fiancé, Lance Cyrlin, a musician.
Ms. Hollander and the other three accused members of the ring have pleaded not guilty to federal charges that include prostitution.
These accounts of their lives are based on court records and on interviews with a variety of friends, associates, former neighbors and defense lawyers in the case. (much more background at link)