A Politician, a Prostitute, and a Man walk into a bar, and somebody gets arrested.
By TQ BONNER
Kevin Grieve/https://unsplash.com/
“All Politics Is Local,”
Hampton, Virginia, City Councilman Chris Bowman is entangled in a complex situation. One evening, Councilman Bowman’s actions took an unexpected turn when he sought out sexual services through an online platform known as Skipthegames.
Now, I can’t go into details about the platform he used to negotiate these services because I don’t want it on my search engine and have to explain it to someone if it pops up.
The encounter resulted in a series of events that have raised eyebrows and prompted legal actions.
Councilman Bowman reportedly engaged in a transaction with a woman described as a heavy-set black female, negotiating a deal for oral sex in exchange for $200.
However, the aftermath of this encounter took an unexpected twist. Upon returning to his car in the parking lot of a Newport News, Virginia hotel, he discovered that some of his belongings, including his Samsung cell phone, had been stolen.
Hampton Councilman Chris Bowman
Subsequently, a mysterious figure contacted Councilman Bowman, offering to return his stolen phone for a fee of $5,000.
This led to a criminal complaint, with Bowman admitting his participation in illegal activities, specifically sex solicitation, a charge punishable by law in Virginia.
The apparent selective enforcement of the law adds complexity to the situation.
Despite admitting to a crime, Councilman Bowman has not faced arrest for solicitation, while the individual who stole his phone and attempted to blackmail him is currently in custody. Councilman Bowman continues to serve as a city council member, making decisions for the community.
In response to these developments, the NAACP has entered the fray, claiming to have received other misconduct complaints against Councilman Bowman. While these allegations are unverified, they add to the intrigue of a case that has already captured public attention.
Councilman Bowman’s public stance has been that the incident was a one-time occurrence unrelated to his official duties. He has refused to step down despite calls for resignation, further fueling the controversy.
One of the interesting things about this messy little situation is that Councilman Bowman has admitted that he felt compelled to pay the man $5,000 because there were things on his cell phone that he felt would damage his reputation.
Observers may label this as an instance of white privilege.
Teslariu Mihai /unsplash.com
As reported by WAVY 10 News, Bowman’s attorney, Carter Phillips, said he hopes people will not judge the councilman based on one mistake.
“He’s really remorseful about the incident,” Phillips said. “He hasn’t done anything like this since, and I’m sure he will not do this again. He is an excellent councilman and an excellent human being. Everybody makes mistakes, and frankly, he’s been a superior human being prior to this.
He’s going to go on being a great human and a great councilman.”
Yahoo News reported that there is also an arrest warrant out for a 24-year-old Hampton woman, Jasmiah Scarlett, on one count of extortion in the case.
Penalties for Prostitution Solicitation
Any person found guilty of soliciting prostitution can face severe penalties. A first offense is considered a Class 1 misdemeanor, resulting in a maximum jail sentence of one year and/or a fine of up to $2,500.
However, subsequent offenses are treated more harshly. A second or subsequent conviction is classified as a Class 6 felony, with potential imprisonment of up to five years and/or a fine of up to $2,500.
Code of Virginia:
Any person who, for money or its equivalent, (i) commits any act in violation of § 18.2–361; performs cunnilingus, fellatio, or anilingus upon or by another person; engages in sexual intercourse or anal intercourse; touches the unclothed genitals or anus of another person with the intent to sexually arouse or gratify; or allows another to touch his unclothed genitals or anus with the intent to sexually arouse or gratify or (ii) offers to commit any act in violation of § 18.2–361; perform cunnilingus, fellatio, or anilingus upon or by another person; engage in sexual intercourse or anal intercourse; touch the unclothed genitals or anus of another person with the intent to sexually arouse or gratify; or allow another to touch his unclothed genitals or anus with the intent to sexually arouse or gratify and thereafter does any substantial act in furtherance thereof is guilty of prostitution, which is punishable as a Class 1 misdemeanor.
§ 18.2–346.01. Prostitution; solicitation; commercial exploitation of a minor; penalties.
Any person who offers money or its equivalent to another for the purpose of engaging in sexual acts enumerated in § 18.2–346 and thereafter does any substantial act in furtherance thereof is guilty of solicitation of prostitution, which is punishable as a Class 1 misdemeanor. However, any person who solicits prostitution from a minor (i) 16 years of age or older is guilty of a Class 6 felony, or (ii) younger than 16 years of age is guilty of a Class 5 felony.