In DeKalb Prostitution Sting, Judge Tosses Video

DECATUR, GA — A DeKalb County judge won't allow prosecutors to use an undercover video in trials against people charged in what prosecutors have called a high-end prostitution ring run out of Dunwoody.

The ruling came after several defendants challenged the state's use of video made using secret cameras hidden in a private apartment. The video allegedly showed men having sex with escorts in the apartment. Defendants argued it was obtained illegally.

The ruling could result in the dismissal of dozens of charges in the case, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported, citing a legal expert.

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A former Gwinnett County assistant district attorney was one of 56 people arrested as part of an operation that included a New Year's Day 2017 sting of a high-end escort service in Dunwoody. According to police, the prostitution ring was operating out of an apartment across the street from the Dunwoody Police headquarters.

According to the DeKalb DA's office, a Marietta couple ran the operation under the names "Gold Club" and "Lipstick and Shoes." In doing so, they allegedly rented apartments in DeKalb and Fulton counties and hired women to work as escorts, as well as other employees.

The escorts would give 40 percent of the money they earned to the couple, according to the DA's office.

According to police, the investigation and resulting sting came after an anonymous tip that a sex-for-money operation was being run out of the Dunwoody apartments. Among those arrested was then-Gwinnett County prosecutor Christopher Quinn, who was charged with pandering in the case after allegedly being caught on camera having sex with a prostitute.

Quinn later resigned.

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