43 More Suspects Named Sgt. Quits After Police Ask About 'Desert Divas'
High-End Escort Service Was Prostitution Ring, Police Say
POSTED: 11:41 am MST January 16,
2009
UPDATED: 12:32 pm MST January 16,
2009
PHOENIX -- A Tolleson police sergeant quit his job after Phoenix police questioned him about his involvement with what they called a prostitution ring.In total, Sgt. Dave Matta's address appeared in the business records of Desert Divas, a high-end escort service, 21 times, Phoenix police said.Phoenix police approached Tolleson's department with accusations of Matta's involvement with the escort service in October, said Tolleson Sgt. Rudy Mendoza."Our department acted swiftly (and) confronted David Matta," Mendoza said. "He then decided to resign rather than go forth with the investigation."According to the Tolleson Police Department's internal review, police believe escorts visited Matta's home 23 times between October 2007 and May 2008. The sergeant told investigators that he hired the women to "strip" at parties, and attendees would "chip in" for the performances, the review said.Matta denied paying for sex, according to the review.In his 10-year career with the Tolleson Police Department, Matta had good performance evaluations and no written reprimands."He was a good employee, and we were very shocked because this wasn't something we thought could happen," Mendoza said. "He was well-liked and respected here."CBS 5 News was unable to reach Matta for comment.More than 50 people have been arrested in connection with the Desert Diva's investigation, which also has links to Philadelphia and Albuquerque, N.M.
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