By Mitch Hotts
Macomb Daily Staff Writer
A transsexual who allegedly operated a prostitution ring from a mobile home park in Harrison Township is being held today in Macomb County Jail awaiting a court date.
Diana Marie Stocchi was among four people arrested Wednesday night at her home in the Joy Villa Estates Park near Gratiot and Joy Boulevard, according to the Macomb County Sheriff's Department.
Investigators said the suspects placed advertisements in local newspapers and conducted a Web site outlining sex acts for money.
"They were pretty bold about publicizing their services, if you ask me," said Sheriff Mark Hackel.
Stocchi, 42, is charged with pandering, a felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison upon conviction. She is being held on a $10,000 bond set by 41B District Judge Linda Davis.
Stocchi has two prior convictions for burglary and receiving stolen property, police said. However, officials at the Macomb County Jail said Stocchi underwent a sex-change operation. She was formerly known as David Stocchi.
Stocchi advertised a company called "Angel's Outpost" that was operated from her mobile home. That's the same name as the company's Web site and also is listed in court records as Stocchi's employer. The suspect listed her weekly salary as $400.
On Thursday, there was a sign that read, "Sorry, we're closed" in the window. According to police, officers received a tip from Warren police about the company. Undercover officers from the County of Macomb Enforcement Team, or COMET, placed a telephone call to the company and set up an appointment.
"Once you get there, they tell you can pay $75 fora half hour with a female or $155 for more time," Hackel said. "They indicated you would be extremely satisfied with their service."
Once inside, the undercover officer made arrangements to pay for a sex act. When money was exchanged, officers raided the house. One COMET investigator described the operation as "very low key"
The home contains an office with a large-screen TV, and a bedroom where the alleged sexual activity took place. Police found various outfits and a set of handcuffs.
Although neighbors said they never noticed a large amount of traffic at the home, police said the phone was ringing during the entire time the raid was conducted.
A woman who answered the door at the mobile home Thursday described herself as Stocchi's roommate for the past four years.
"I had no idea anything wrong was going on," said the woman, who would not identify herself. "I just thought they were friends of Diana."
Three other females were charged with misdemeanors. They are Rhonda Peacock, Sherrie Sammons and Sarah Brandimarte.