Saturday, March 1, 1997 | 11:59 a.m.
In a written statement issued Friday, Nevada Division of Investigation Agent Kenneth Townsend said he made an error in judgment and sought the public's forgiveness.
"I am very ashamed of my actions and the devastating effect that it has had on my family," he wrote.
"But I want to make it clear that all I did was engage the services of a prostitute, one of the world's oldest professions, and one that is legal in 12 out of 17 Nevada counties."
A woman told police last week that a man solicited her for oral sex in downtown Las Vegas. The woman, a known prostitute, said she agreed and got inside the man's vehicle.
She said once inside the vehicle the man demanded intercourse. She told police she refused, but he then raped her.
As she was being pushed out of the vehicle, she grabbed a bag from the car. She later opened it, and found a gun and law enforcement badge inside, she told police.
Townsend, 36, a seven-year division veteran, claimed only a small portion of the woman's account is true. He said allegations that he raped the woman are false.
"I did in fact pay a prostitute $20 for $10 worth of sex," he wrote. "She did so because that is her profession and I in no way coerced or threatened her, or made her any promises other than the $20 I paid her up front."
The case is under investigation, but police declined comment. Townsend has not been charged and is on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the criminal probe.
Townsend claimed he has been told by a top division supervisor that he would be fired, even though the case is under investigation.
"I realize that I brought this on myself and that I should get what I have coming to me," he said, adding his wife has forgiven him.
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