Home Omaha Press Releases 2010 Four Charged in Connection with Prostitution Business that Employed Minor
Info
This is archived material from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) website. It may contain outdated information and links may no longer function.

Four Charged in Connection with Prostitution Business that Employed Minor

U.S. Attorney’s Office April 23, 2010
  • District of Nebraska (402) 661-3700

United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Internal Revenue Service, Omaha Police Department and the Council Bluffs Police Department announce the following information for the attention of the media:

Event Triggering this Release:

On April 23, 2010, an Indictment was unsealed charging Richard Costanzo, Theresa Costanzo, Janna Wasko, and Michael Wasko with Conspiracy; Using a Facility of Interstate Commerce to Promote Prostitution; Transportation with Intent to Promote Prostitution; and Enticing a Minor to Travel with Intent to Engage in Prostitution. Richard Costanzo was also charged with Money Laundering. The Indictment also contains a forfeiture allegation seeking to forfeit a home located at 1013 Shoal Pointe Drive, Carter Lake, Iowa, 7 cars, and approximately $3,140.00 in cash.

Richard Costanzo is the President of Dream Girls, Inc. a Nebraska corporation. Theresa Costanzo, (the sister of Richard Costanzo), Janna Wasko, (Richard Costanzo’s ex-wife), and Michael Wasko, (the husband of Janna Wasko), are all alleged to have worked at the business in various capacities. The indictment alleges that Dream Girls, Inc., advertised itself under many different names and held itself out as an “escort” service. It alleges that escorts working for the company were required to sign contracts stating that were only to engage in “nude and lingerie modeling,” “massage” and the provision of “companionship.” In fact, the indictment alleges the business was a front for prostitution. The indictment also alleges at least one of the escorts who worked at the business was under 18 years of age.

Richard Costanzo was arrested on April 23, 2010. Theresa Costanzo, Janna Wasko and Michael Wasko will receive summons requiring their appearance in court.

Name of Defendant: Richard Costanzo, Theresa Costanzo, Janna Wasko, Michael Wasko

AKA:

Age: Richard Costanzo, 43
Theresa Costanzo, 36
Janna Wasko, 37
Michael Wasko, 35

City of residence: Richard Costanzo, Carter Lake
Theresa Costanzo, Omaha
Janna Wasko, Papillion
Michael Wasko, Papillion

Crime(s) Charged and Potential Penalty (A CHARGE is merely an accusation and every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty):
Conspiracy - (10 years to life; $250,000 fine/both; five-year term of supervised release, $100 special assessment)
Using Facility of Interstate Commerce to Promote Prostitution - (Not more than five years/$250,000 fine/both; three-year term of supervised release, $100 special assessment)
Transportation with Intent to Promote Prostitution - (Not more than 10 years/$250,000 fine/both; three-year term of supervised release, $100 special assessment)
Enticing a Minor with Intent to Engage in Prostitution -(10 years to life; $250,000 fine/both; five-year term of supervised release, $100 special assessment)
Money Laundering - (Not more than 20 years; $500,000 fine/both; three-year term of supervised release, $100 special assessment).

Specific Location of Alleged Crime: Omaha and Iowa

Location of Arrest:

Alleged Dollar Loss/Type and Quantity of Drug:

Others Charged in Same Scheme:

Relevant Dates:

Date of Alleged Crime: From on or about February 10, 1997 through on or about November 24, 2009

Federal Arrest Date: April 23, 2010 for Richard Costanzo. Theresa Costanzo, Janna Wasko and Michael Wasko will appear by summons

Date Complaint Issued:

Indictment Returned Date: April 21, 2010

Initial Appearance Date: April 26, 2010 for Richard Costanzo. May 19, 2010 for Theresa Costanzo, Janna Wasko and Michael Wasko

Plea or Trial and Date(s):

Sentencing Date:

Next Court Hearing Type and Date: Initial appearance for Richard Costanzo–April 26, 2010

Assigned Magistrate Judge: Thomas D. Thalken

Held without Bond, or Released from Custody:

In Continuous Custody Since:

Assigned District Court Judge: Joseph F. Bataillon

Initials of Assigned AUSA/Preparer of This Release: SLD

This content has been reproduced from its original source.