D.A. Ordered to Identify Alleged Clients of ‘Mayflower Madam’
A judge today ordered prosecutors to identify patrons of an alleged prostitution service that they charge was operated by Sydney Biddle Barrows, tagged the “Mayflower Madam” because of her Pilgrim heritage.
Prosecutors must provide by June 21 “the date, time, place, alleged prostitute and patron, and arrangement with respect to each act of alleged prostitution claimed to have been promoted,” Acting Justice Brenda Soloff ruled.
The names would have to be provided to the defense and could be made public by either side.
Assistant Dist. Atty. Seth Rosenberg declined to comment on the order.
Barrows and an employee, Lawrin Goulston, are accused of operating a prostitution ring through three high-priced escort services. They deny that the services provided anything but companionship.
Mark Dembeaux, a lawyer for Barrows, said he believed the judge was hinting that the grand jury may not have had enough evidence to return the indictments.
Barrows was smiling as she left the courtroom and tried several times to speak during an impromptu news conference outside, but her lawyers silenced her each time. Her arrest in October raised attention because of her lineage and her listing in the Social Register.
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