Feds Search For Accused Desert Prostitution Leader
CATHEDRAL CITY – He’s called a pimp, a thief, and a scam artist by local prosecutors, and now theU.S. Marshals are adding the title of “fugitive” to Boaz Benmoshe.
His trial for allegedly running a Coachella Valley prostitution ring is on hold until federal marshals catch him all over again.
Benmoshe was first arrested by Riverside County Sheriff’s deputiesin 2006. He and seven others were arrested in what was called “Operation Desert Eagle”
Then-Sheriff Bob Doyle said they were surprised just how big this criminal operation was.
“Upwards of 240 women at one time working for this particular elite entertainment,” said Doyle. “So, it was a large operation. 80 phone lines that they operated.”
In 2006, News Channel3 interviewed one of Benmoshe’s employees:a woman who denied she was a prostitute.
“When you get hired,” she said,”you sign a contract that says we offer a full body massage or a topless dance. Period. That is what we offer. We work strictly off tips. Whatever happens behind doors, we are not responsible. You are full 100 percent responsible for what happens behind doors.”
Benmoshe faces 180 criminal charges. Most for money laundering.
“He didn’t act like he had $5 million,” said the woman. “He was a human being. He was caring, he always made sure we were ok. He cared about our life. He cared. About us individually.”
Boaz stopped showing up to court for his pimping charges after a recent conviction for money laundering dealing with prescriptionAIDS drugs. The U.S. Marshal’s Office says those crimes happened in New Hampshire and Massachusetts.
And they add Benmoshe is an Israeli citizen and could have escaped there. He is considered armed and dangerous.
Marshalsare looking for leads to go after Boaz Benmoshe. If you have any information on where he may be, contact the marshals’ office at the link on this page.
