Strip prostitute says phony cop called her a bad mom, threatened to arrest her

By Ana Ley

Thursday, Feb. 6, 2014 | 6:50 p.m.

A Las Vegas Strip prostitute who was targeted by a convicted cop impersonator told investigators she had sex with the man after he threatened to arrest her and called her a bad mother, according to a police report released today.

The victim, who advertises her services on Backpage.com, told police she recognized Mark Picozzi’s photograph after news reports emerged about his recent arrest in the similar rape of an escort at the Cosmopolitan. She called police to report that Picozzi had also targeted and forced her into sex in early January.

The woman said she met Mark Picozzi on Jan. 18 at the MGM Signature Hotel and charged him $400 in advance for her services. As she began to undress Picozzi, he allegedly jumped off the bed and identified himself as an undercover officer, pulling a gold badge from his back pocket.

The woman said she began crying and told Picozzi that she has a child and she was worried about going to jail. The man allegedly grabbed her by the wrist, asked for identification and began jotting her information down.

While pocketing about $2,000 from a safe inside the room, he allegedly told the victim that she was a bad mother and that her child should be put up for adoption.

“He told her it’s wrong to be a mother and a (prostitute),” the report said.

Picozzi then allegedly told the woman he’d let her go if she performed oral sex, and she complied.

The suspect has a lengthy criminal history that includes an active warrant out of New York on a count of robbery. He has been convicted of robbery, kidnapping and impersonating an officer in New Jersey. He also was convicted of fleeing from police officers and he was arrested for robbery and grand theft auto in Florida.

Other potential victims are urged to call Metro’s sexual assault investigators at (702) 828-3421. Those wishing to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at (702) 385-5555 or visit crimestoppersofnv.com.