A woman who operates a fetish adult Web site is facing criminal charges of promoting prostitution and violating local zoning regulations by operating a business in a residential area.
Michelle Silva, 44, posted $30,000 bond last Thursday and is scheduled to appear in Superior Court on June 27, according to the Hartford Courant.
Silva said she was surprised at the charges and that she will seek a trial to prove her innocence.
Enfield Police Chief Carl J. Sferrazza said Police began investigating Silva in January 2005 when they received an anonymous letter from someone Silva suspects was a competitor to her Web business. Police officers had searched her home on Nov. 16, seizing a number of fetish toys and other items along with seven computers.
The chief said she is facing multiple counts of promoting prostitution and of zoning violations. He would not elaborate on the charges.
Although her Web site is still online, Silva said she doesn’t produce videos anymore due to her legal troubles.
Silva said her business made between $5,000 to $6,000 per month at its height, but now says she only makes about $500.
Silva told the newspaper that she produced all the bondage and domination videos at home except for one which was made in Arizona. She added that all the models were paid.
