Westport Man Accused Of Promoting Prostitution From His Home: PD

WESTPORT, CT — A 65-year-old Westport man was arrested on a warrant by Westport police this week after authorities said the suspect essentially was pimping a prostitute from his Sasco Creek Village home on the Post Road East.

Richard Lepkowski was charged with permitting prostitution and second-degree promoting prostitution on Feb. 19. He was held in lieu of bail of $100,000.

The case began in late October when officers were called to Lepkowski's home, which is part of the Westport Housing Authority, on a report of a verbal disturbance.

"Although no charges were warranted in connection with that complaint, during the officers’ investigation it was learned that there was a female living at the residence who was not a known tenant to the Westport Housing Authority," police said. "This female claimed that she had been living there with permission from the lessee; Richard Lepkowski."

In speaking with the woman, officers learned that she "had been using the premises to engage in prostitution in order to support a drug addiction."

Police officers assisted the woman in getting out of the home and connected to resources that helped get her into a rehabilitation facility, according to authorities.

An investigation was launched following the October disturbance.

"This investigation included interviews as well as the execution of a search warrant," police said. "In short, it is alleged that Lepkowski had been managing the victim in prostitution for approximately a month and a half in duration while she had been living with him. It was learned that this service was promoted and advertised through the use of a website, which advertised and described the victim, guidelines and prices set by time limits. Also utilized was an [app] that allowed incoming contact including calls and messages from prospective clients to go to both the victim and Lepkowski’s cellular phones. It was reported that in exchange for cash proceeds from this arrangement, Lepkowski allowed her to continue to live at the residence. Evidence supporting these allegations was found during service of the search warrant and through the course of the investigation."

When reached by Patch, Carol Martin, executive director of the Westport Housing Authority, declined to comment on the report, "due to applicable privacy laws."

The woman's identity was not released, and Westport Police Lt. Anthony Prezioso told Patch that at this time, he does not anticipate additional charges in connection with the case.

Lepkowski was taken into custody on Wednesday, and he was not able to post bond.

He appeared in Norwalk Superior Court on Thursday, where his bond was reduced to $25,000, but he remains in custody, according to judicial officials.