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American Morning

Government Looks to High Profile Witnesses in Gold Club Trial

Aired July 23, 2001 - 09:33   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
DARYN KAGAN, CNN ANCHOR: We're going to start this half-hour with superstar athletes, allegations of sexual favors at an Atlanta strip club. This is all part of a federal racketeering trial involving the owner of the Gold Club. Basketball star Patrick Ewing is expected to be the first professional athlete called to testify this hour as the trial enters a new phase.

Details on this now from reporter Dennis O'Hayer of our affiliate WXIA.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

DENNIS O'HAYER, WXIA REPORTER (voice-over): At seven feet, Patrick Ewing always attracts attention. Last Thursday, he told a room packed room with reporters he had signed a two-year, $4.5 million contract with the Orlando Magic. Monday, he is expected to tell 12 jurors and the entire country that dancers at Atlanta's Gold Club did more than dance for him. Other athletes may follow Ewing to the stand.

JOE WHITLEY, FRM. U.S. ATTORNEY: In most cases, they might say that they didn't know how they got the sex, but sex was being performed and that's the government's allegation.

O'HAYER (on camera): But even if Patrick Ewing says he got sexual favors here at the Gold Club, prosecutors will only have done half their job. They'll then have to show that dancers got money for sex with celebrities.

WHITLEY: That's going to come primarily from the people -- the women who worked in the Gold Club, the dancers and others.

O'HAYER (voice-over): People like Jana Pelnis. The former Gold Club dancer could be on the stand Monday too, claiming that she was paid by the club for sexual favors to Patrick Ewing and others, making it prostitution and that club owner Steve Kaplan supervised the whole thing. His lawyers say either the sex was consensual or if money was paid, it was without his knowledge.

Despite the big names clearly in focus, some legal experts say the government's case might still be a little blurry right now.

WHITELY: They're trying to lay this case out brick by brick and hoping that the jury will be able to keep it all under consideration. O'HAYER: With the help of memorable people like Patrick Ewing.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

KAGAN: And that was Dennis O'Hayer of our affiliate WXIA.

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