By David Lohr
(Continued)
On January 17, 2006, an undercover detective contacted Britton and expressed an interest in her services. Several days later, the officer showed up at Britton's home, whereupon she led him upstairs. Police wrote in the arrest complaint that she told the officer "to undress and place the money on a table by the door." The officer then set down $400 and walked out of the room as a group of uniformed officers stormed Britton's home. According to a complaint filed with the Howard County district attorney, investigators found a vibrator, 150 condoms, lubricant, cash, and a computer. Britton was charged with four counts of prostitution and faced up to four years in prison and a $2000 fine.
Shortly after her arrest, Britton spoke with a reporter from the Examiner. During the interview, she said she did not "trade sex for money" and that any money she received was for "legal adult personal services." According to Britton, she did not view "companionship" as prostitution.
Britton's trial, which was delayed several times by both the defense and the prosecution, was set to begin on Monday. According to Britton's attorney, Christopher Flohr, her home was in foreclosure and she was dealing with depression relating to her arrest.
Yesterday, Flohr issued a statement saying Britton's death "underscores an important question: Was the public benefited at all by the resources spent on her arrest and prosecution? As we ponder the apparent senselessness of her passing, we must openly wonder about ... a criminal justice system that seeks to punish a person rather than heal them."
Wayne Kirwan, a spokesman for the Howard County State's Attorney's office, did not believe Britton's legal problems were sufficient cause for her to commit suicide. "On a first-time offense, I doubt if she would have served any time," Kirwan said in an interview with the Associated Press.
After her arrest, Britton agreed to an interview with a reporter from The Washington Post. She spoke of her life in general, but dodged questions regarding her pending legal problems. However, she did make one very telling comment about her situation. "I'm going to lay down and die. I'm so depressed," she said.
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