80-year-old grandmother is arrested for prostitution

Police made a surprising discovery when they busted the alleged madam of a &to=http:// english.pravda.ru/main/2001/03/17/3027_.html ' target=_blank>prostitution ring called “August Playmates”: The woman running the show was an 80-year-old grandmother.

Authorities arrested Vera Tursi last month during a sting operation to crack down on prostitution rings posing as legal escort services. Police say Tursi ran the business from her two-bedroom apartment, taking $60 of every $160 she charged clients for one hour with a call girl.

Law enforcement officials say Ms. Tursi admitted her role in the business, saying she took it over a few years ago from her daughter, who had died. Police say Ms. Tursi told them she needed money to subsidize her &to=http:// english.pravda.ru/usa/2001/10/18/18529.html ' target=_blank>Social Security checks, reports the Globe and Mail.