Feb 23, 2005 By Patty Yauger 3 min read

DUNBAR TWP. – A Vanderbilt husband and wife allegedly operating a home-based escort service that included the offering of sex were arraigned Tuesday on multiple felony charges. Joseph S. Moore, 34, and Jenevia I. Moore, 33, of 127 Main St. quietly answered questions about employment, home ownership and their children as they stood separately before District Magisterial Judge Dwight Shaner during the brief hearing.

“You need an attorney,” Shaner advised the couple as he imposed the separate $10,000 unsecured bonds.

Joseph Moore is charged with 13 counts of prostitution and related offenses in addition to a single count of criminal conspiracy, while his wife is charged with 10 counts of prostitution and related offenses and one count of criminal conspiracy.

As they exited the magistrate’s office, the two covered their faces with black hooded jackets and shouted obscenities at the media as they posed questions and snapped pictures.

Investigating officer Cpl. Dennis Ulery said that police were advised of the alleged illegal activity by a woman who had applied to a help wanted advertisement that offered earnings of $2,000 per week.

The Sweet Treats Escort Service advertisement listed a toll-free telephone number and age requirements.

Police said that the unidentified informant initially contacted the number and was told that clients were charged $500 per hour and that employees would receive a portion of the proceeds and any additional tips.

When asked if sexual acts were to be performed, she was told that “men expect something” for the fee, said police.

Later, according to the affidavit, the informant and an undercover police officer met with the couple and were told that if they accepted the position they would be required to submit photographs for the business Web site and offer a statement as to what services they would provide for clients, so that the Moores could “match the girls with clients.”

Ulery, meanwhile, said that a later warrant executed at the residence did not provide a client listing.

He said that clients arranged for hotel or motel accommodations and that in most cases Joseph Moore took the employees to the location.

According to Ulery, the service operated in Uniontown, Connellsville, Greensburg, Morgantown, W. Va. and other locations.

Ulery said that the number of clients is unknown, but that that business included men of varying ages and background.

“In one instance there was an elderly gentleman who didn’t want sex; just someone to be with,” said Ulery.

The couple faces a March 1 preliminary hearing.