BY JANE PRENDERGAST
The Cincinnati Enquirer
COVINGTON -- Men caught trying to buy sex here are quickly setting a new court trend -- immediately pleading guilty. No trial, often no lawyer. Anything to avoid bringing their wives to court.
Arrests in Covington for soliciting prostitution are multiplying -- 50 since June 1. And virtually all the men charged are quickly admitting their mistakes.
Maybe that's because the word is out -- Kenton District Court judges are handing down creative (read: sometimes embarrassing) punishments.
Like forcing defendants to take their wives to trial.
Judge Marty Sheehan started the wife parade in January, the same time he ordered a man to walk around the courthouse at lunchtime wearing a sign that said he tried to buy sex.
"I get the impression that (the defendants) think they can sneak down here and, even if they are detected, that they can sweep it under the rug," Judge Sheehan said Wednesday. "I want them to think twice."
Acknowledging that more defendants are pleading, and faster, the judge said the problem isn't solved.
"I'm not sure it's working," he said, "if we've had 50 guys picked up since June."
The crime -- soliciting a prostitute -- has attracted attention here lately. Ryle High School football coach David Eckstein was suspended from his job this week after a July arrest. He pleaded not guilty.
Police and court officials believe the recent court actions have led offenders to plead guilty quickly, even though they run the risk of jail time and a criminal record. This quick plea can spare them the sandwich boards or notice to the wife.
"Just about all of them are pleading," said prosecutor Bill Crockett. "It's making my job easier, if nothing else."
But civil rights attorney Scott Greenwood has another view. "He wasn't elected pope or the morality czar," he said, referring to Judge Sheehan. "He's not there to save marriages or impose morality. The wife isn't the one on trial."
Five men appeared in Kenton District Court on Tuesday. All but one: guilty.
Judge Ann Ruttle sentenced them to a $200 fine, court costs, and 30 days in jail. They can avoid jail time if they have no convictions for two years and -- here's her twist -- if they submit to an HIV test.
