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TagsBY ALICIA CRUZ
NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM
David Flory, a professor in Teaneck, was arrested Sunday in Albuquerque, New Mexico charged with 40 counts of promoting prostitution for operating an online prostitution website, Southwest Companions, for three years.
It is not clear if Flory, a Fairleigh Dickinson University professor since 1969, has been suspended from his job, but University officials told The Record they were saddened by news of Flory's arrest. The web site allegedly extended users access to more women once they gained Flory's trust, said Albuquerque Police Lt. William Roseman, who added that Flory claimed he did not benefit financially from the site, as it was just a hobby.
Visitors to the site are greeted by a notice saying:
"All information and reviews posted on this site are posted purely for entertainment purposes. No information should be assumed to be factual, nor do we endorse ANY service providers listed on this site."
The message goes on to inform the viewer that new members are admitted on probationary status, and in order to become a permanent member the site requires a reference or recommendation from a "verified" member or companion. Access to the site requires a username and password.
After learning of the site, it took police several months to become "trusted" members, as they worked through the three-tier hierarchical system, WKOB.com reported. From there they identified member "Daivd8" as Flory, the cyber-house of ill repute owner and webmaster.
The website offered links about Sexually Transmitted Diseases and legal advice from attorneys on what a prostitute should do if approached by law enforcement. The website has as many as 200 women, and more than 1,200 "members." Roseman said the sting operation lasted six months.
Flory, a physics professor since 1980, is the married father of three daughters. The 68-year-old instructor holds a master's degree from Columbia University and a doctorate from Yeshiva University. He and wife, Sharon, a psychotherapist, reside on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, but spend a lot of time at their second home in Sante Fe, according to his website. Sharon Flory runs a practice, Living Aware, and specializes in eating disorders.
A New Mexico judge set bail for the grandfather of four at $100,000. There is no word on his next court date or if he has retained an attorney.
