The woman accused of being the primary booker for the prostitution ring patronized by Eliot Spitzer pleaded guilty on Wednesday morning to charges related to her role in the ring.The woman, Temeka Rachelle Lewis, 32, pleaded guilty to charges of promoting prostitution and money laundering, becoming the first of the four defendants charged in the ring's operations to have her case adjudicated.
Lewis could face a prison sentence of up to 25 years when she is sentenced on Aug. 10, although federal sentencing guidelines allow for a much shorter term.
As part of her plea, she signed an agreement with the government to testify, if asked, before a federal grand jury in New York that is investigating the prostitution ring known as Emperor's Club V.I.P.
Spitzer announced his resignation as governor on March 12, two days after reports that he was the man referred to as Client No. 9 in court papers filed in the case against the prostitution ring. He could face criminal charges, possibly stemming from transactions to pay for at least half a dozen meetings with prostitutes.
Lewis's lawyer, Marc Agnifilo, declined to say whether Lewis knew Spitzer or would testify directly against him. "Her agreement obligates her to testify, if asked," Agnifilo said. "At this point we stand ready to receive direction from the government."