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Published - Thursday, June 22, 2006

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Tricked out of $40?


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A La Crosse man was cited for soliciting a prostitute after he called police dispatch and demanded his money be refunded when the woman did not perform a sexual service.

Leslie Beach, 36, of 526 S. 16th St., Apt. 3, was fined $159 for the solicitation, according to La Crosse police reports. Beach told responding officers that he had a learning disability and that a woman named Victoria had taken advantage of him. He told police that Victoria said she would have intercourse with him for $40, reports said.
Beach asked Victoria for his money back after the two did not have intercourse, reports said. She refused to refund the money but told him she would spend the night at his apartment. She later left, and Beach called police.

Beach did not know Victoria’s last name or contact information, but said he would call police if she returns, according to the report.

Police Lt. Bob Berndt said he does not remember the last time police issued a ticket for prostitution solicitation in the city.

Anne Jungen can be reached at (608) 791-8224 or ajungen@lacrossetribune.com.
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JOE .B wrote on Jan 10, 2007 3:10 AM:

" THIS LESLIE GUY IS A REAL DANDY AS HE NOW GOT ARRESTED FOR MORE SEX RELATED ACTIVITY, LEWD & LACIVIOUS CONDUCT(EXPOSURE)AND DISORDERLY CONDUCT.WHAT A WINNER!!! WAS HE WEARING A TRENCH COAT AND WHO WAS HE SHOWING HIS GOODS TO.SICKOS LIKE HIM NEED TO BE LOCKED UP, NOT GIVEN SYMPATHY BECAUSE THEY HAVE PROBLEMS AS PUBLIC SAFETY SHOULD BE THE FIRST CONCERN FOR THE POPULATION OF OUR FINE CITY "

GLS wrote on Jun 27, 2006 8:28 AM:

" Next thing you know people will think Anna Nicole Smith wasn't truly in love!!! (I'm sure she never gave the money a second thought) The courts helped her get the money she felt she was owed, and never gave her a ticket for solicitation either!! "

WOW wrote on Jun 27, 2006 4:53 AM:

" I agree with LM you go gurl! but the big deal here is why can't a person sell their services sexual physical or whatever? I think in the spirit of the passing of the Marijuna law passed by the LaCrosse county board they should authorize prostitution. Why should one comodity that us women have be illegal to sell? Is this a way for men to continue to try and control us? It's our bodies our choice what's up with that? It really seems so. "

Mrs.Bigbadwolf wrote on Jun 26, 2006 2:18 PM:

" I do feel as though I must take issue with criminal's comment equating every female who has gotten dinner, jewlery, whatever from her boyfriend with prostitution. Does that mean when my husband gives me something it is a payment for sex? Or what about when I see something and buy it for him as a surprise gift? Does that make him the prostitute? What a sad, misogynist, attitude to have, especially when it is 2006, not 1806. "

french islander wrote on Jun 25, 2006 4:54 AM:

" Hey Larry, what do you mean "hick town" Oh wait, I have to go...... the block keeping the wheels under my house in place fell out when a dog fell off the porch..... or was that my sister in law? "

CKW wrote on Jun 24, 2006 9:20 PM:

" Ok...Great job on that side of Wisconsin...but lets see here...hmmm.... OPEN YOUR EYES TAX PAYERS!!! LB is collecting from the big Government...spending his earnings to live in an apartment and drink alcohol and have sex with strangers....and all you can say is good for him???? Well maybe you ppl that feel its a good thing and stick up for illegal acts...you must have voted for Bush! LB...needs AA or true counseling...not sex and beer! "

to larrythelegend wrote on Jun 24, 2006 7:49 PM:

" don't forget about wearing cheese on our heads and murdering cats "

HISTORY LESSON wrote on Jun 24, 2006 5:54 PM:

" It "scares you" that "women like Victoria" are in this town? This city PAID for Lolita's Massage Parlor's relocation to make way for the Jay street ramp (it moved to 4th between King and Jay) Pearl Street was almost pure red light district a hundred years ago, and had a whorehouse (VIP Rap) until the early 1980s. The Pearl Ice Cream Parlor is in what used to be the lobby of a very respectable pleasure house when the building was built. Oh, and those "dancers" that advertise in the Tribune? More than meets the eye in those dealings. Not all are hookers, mind you. La Crosse has always had a slow current of skin moving along the banks right downtown and everywhere else. Right or wrong, it's there and always has been. "

I agree with "right vs. wrong" wrote on Jun 24, 2006 7:57 AM:

" My 9 year old son has a learning disabililty and he struggles with things like memorization. Basically he studies more for a test than the average student. A learning disability is not a developmental disability or mental retardation. We are surrounded by people daily in our occupations with learning disabilities and don't even know it. Now, I'm sorry he got mixed up and legal trouble and hopefully he has learned his lesson. He knows sure well right from wrong, and that a decision to pay for sex is indeed wrong. Shame on all of you who are shaming the newspaper - how about blaming the man who got himself into that situation and not the people who put it in the paper! Talking about try to evade responsibility. However, it does scare me that women like victoria are in La Crosse. "

Land of the free wrote on Jun 24, 2006 7:33 AM:

" What happens between two consenting adults should remain just that. It's too bad there are those that force thier moral values on others. "

criminal wrote on Jun 24, 2006 12:21 AM:

" you think prostitution is "disgusting," but what about the hottie who works at the bar driving a BMW convertible, wearing massive bling...... if you don't think there's a man twice her age paying for all that you're deluded. Too many women in our culture are, sadly, stuck on status and materialistic. Ever see a really pretty, well dressed lady out with a poor, unattractive man? NO. Give me a break. Men pay women for sex in this country on so so SO many levels it's pathetic to whine about prostitution. It's all but sanctioned from middle school on. "

Same old, same old wrote on Jun 24, 2006 12:10 AM:

" There is a pattern on these blogs that is getting old. No matter what the crime-related story is, a group of people always toss in their two cents about how it should be legal (See recent marijuana and prostitution entries). You guys just don't get it. It doesn't matter one single bit whether or not you think something should be legal or not. The facts are that possessing marijuana or paying for sex is illegal. All the whining in the world won't change that. Either conform, petition legislature to change the laws or move to Europe. But for God's sake, SHUT UP!!!! "

criminal to Katie wrote on Jun 24, 2006 12:10 AM:

" First, please have your english teacher proof your blogs because you can't spell. (alas, but that tends to make people take what you have to say less seriously.) Secondly, while human trafficking is a grave problem to be addressed, here in La Mayberry, it is almost always a solo prostitute hustling for a buck. "

Right vs. Wrong wrote on Jun 23, 2006 8:46 PM:

" I'm sorry, but a learning disability does not inhibit you from knowing right from wrong. Paying for sex is illegial - no matter what - period, and he would know that. La Crosse PD has no idea how often this happens in the city, and neither does the tribune. Don't do a crime if you don't want people to know about it. "

why? wrote on Jun 23, 2006 4:36 PM:

" The oldest profession in the world. What's the worse evil - accepting the money for sex or paying the money for sex. If there were no customers...there would be no prostitutes. As long as men see nothing wrong with paying for sex there will be women willing to take it. Whose moral offense is the worse? "

C.K. wrote on Jun 23, 2006 4:31 PM:

" I know Leslie Beach, and he DOES have a LEGITIMATE disability, as well as other PROBLEMS that he AND HIS FAMILY deal with DAILY. Kudos to him for keeping himself out of jail and REAL trouble because of some STUPID MISTAKES. Shame on the Tribune for making this NEWS. "

To:Katie wrote on Jun 23, 2006 3:45 PM:

" Wake up! I said "consenting adults".Murder, rape, burglary-1 of the people is not consenting. An act should be legal as long as you are not infringing on someone elses rights by doing so. I am sure you are a nice lady, and I agree with you that prostitution is disgusting. Where we disagree is what the Governments role should be...I don't want nor need a babysitter. "

To: Boston & others.... wrote on Jun 23, 2006 3:41 PM:

" Stories about prostitutes are funny? No exceptions? Even the most hardened of cops probably don't find 'dead hookers' very funny. Prostitution is a dangerous business, but some of you seem to think it should be legal. Sure, if you support drug addiction and violence towards women. Prostitutes are often abused. Should that also be legal? How would some of you recommend regulating that? "

to larrythelegend wrote on Jun 23, 2006 3:36 PM:

" Because La Crosse is a hick town. "

LS wrote on Jun 23, 2006 1:18 PM:

" $40.00?????? I bet she was a real find! :) "

larrythelegend wrote on Jun 23, 2006 1:08 PM:

" Just heard this story on the top of the hour CBS news update on WISM while reading the comments. We are now nationally known for Johns that call the police for bad service, dead mothers being kept in the freezer for insurance money, and a wife locking her husband in the basement. La Crosse must really look like a hick town to Californians and New Yorkers!!!! "

Ron Mexico wrote on Jun 23, 2006 12:53 PM:

" Selling is legal. Having sex is legal. Why is selling sex illegal?? "

Entertained in Boston wrote on Jun 23, 2006 12:33 PM:

" Listen, whatever your stance may be on the ethics of prostitution and/or the exploitation of someone's legal snafus for entertainment, one thing is for sure: stories about prostitutes are funny--no exceptions. Whether you're talking about a crazy tweaked out hooker on a meth binge, an excessively perfumed European hooker, a hooker with a heart of gold, or the dead hooker that's in the trunk of my car, it always quality entertainment. The only way this story could have been better would have been if Leslie Beach actually did have a learning disability. "

Katie wrote on Jun 23, 2006 12:33 PM:

" Prostitution should be illegal because of what it does to those involved. If there is a topic that I have thouroughly researched it is sexual assault and the world sex trade. ALso, with what you are saying about how things shouldn't be ruled by what some people deam right; should murder be legal? Rape? Burglery? There are people in this world that think those things are just fine and dandy and that it should be legal. Laws have to be drawn somewhere; and in my opinion, those who think prostitution should be legal are probably the sick people who use it. "

To:Katie wrote on Jun 23, 2006 11:39 AM:

" Forcing someone into prostitution should ABSOLUTELY be illegal. But, prostitution itself should not be. Just because you and I find something disgusting is no reason to make it illegal. You are like the people on another board who think it should be illegal for a graduation speaker to mention Jesus just because they disagree with her. We all need to stop trying to control other people because of what our views might be. "

corgi wrote on Jun 23, 2006 11:00 AM:

" I am really disheartened when I see the Trib exploiting this. I'm sure if he was a loved one of someone at the Trib, this fellow would not have been ridiculed. Apparently he was not aware of how business is conducted on this level and approached the local PD for assistance in a obvious fraud, involving one of their city charges "

Katie wrote on Jun 23, 2006 10:43 AM:

" I know that people keep bringing up the fact that this man has a disability. Does anyone know what kind or to what extent? Interestingly, most people have a disability of some kind. Also, I know that this as a news story is questionable, but it was obviously a good choice on a news standpoint-look at all of the publicity/response it is getting!! "

Katie wrote on Jun 23, 2006 9:59 AM:

" Prostitution is disgusting and should be illegal. Most people involved in it are forced into it and forced to stay in it. The ones who choose the lifestyle are the minority in the world of prostitution. The world's sex trade is out of hand and it needs to be stopped. People like this man disgust me. Disabled or not; BOTH parties should be fined and/or jailed. "

Tricked by who? wrote on Jun 23, 2006 9:53 AM:

" Who really took advantage of this poor guy - "Victoria" or the police and the Tribune. Obviously a vulnerable guy who needs to be directed to services to help him, not further expoited by law enforcement and media. A missed opportunity for the police department to do the right thing. Impossible to beleive there wasn't a more newsworthy story in our city for the Trib to publish in place of this one. "

To:Jay wrote on Jun 23, 2006 9:29 AM:

" I would not want my son or daughter involved-it would break my heart. I think it is disgusting-I would never be involved either. It also makes no economic sense(exchanging sex for sex AND money.) But, it is just none of the Governments business. Consenting adults should be able to make that decision for themselves. "

So What wrote on Jun 23, 2006 6:09 AM:

" Why is prostitution illegal? It makes no sense.....prostitution doesn't hurt anyone, except maybe the people that are involved with it......but so does drinking and smoking. It makes no sense why it is illegal. "

Inappropriate wrote on Jun 23, 2006 2:07 AM:

" I am no prude, but the Tribune should know better than to print something like this. Something bizarre and sexually related happened to a man who should have known better -- but then again, remember he was a vulnerable adult, and that makes all the difference in the world. "

He's out $200 bucks. wrote on Jun 22, 2006 10:23 PM:

" 40 + 159 = 199. And look, the FINE is four times greater than the FEE. "

Jay wrote on Jun 22, 2006 7:57 PM:

" I can't BELIEVE there are proponents of legalizing prostitution! If it was your daughter (or son) out there turning tricks, would you feel the same way? "How was your day at work dear?" Now THAT would make for some good conversation at the dinner table. "

The bottom line... wrote on Jun 22, 2006 6:36 PM:

" 1) NEVER list info on someone who may be developmentaly disabled ! (Duh) 2) If the only way you can feel good about yourself is to learn of anothers misfortune you your self are unfortunate... & 3) Good luck Leslie "

What a joke! wrote on Jun 22, 2006 5:00 PM:

" What a bunch of tree hugging liberals! I'm embarrassed to be in the same community with some of you dead-heads. If prostitution, drug use and no drinking age is so important to you, move! Be sure to take your friends and relatives with you on your journy to Europe. "

Oh my.... wrote on Jun 22, 2006 4:55 PM:

" I thought this paper hit a low with "Woman attempting to unload shatters her pride and commode" (which was also front page). If you need filler space for the front page, why not try printing something positive. "

My opinion wrote on Jun 22, 2006 4:48 PM:

" Intimacy is by human nature. If prostitution was legal maybe it would cut down on drunk driving. I mean, think about it...a guy can go to the bar,have a couple of drinks go home call a prostitute and he gets what he wants, she gets some spending money and nobody gets killed. "

Louie wrote on Jun 22, 2006 4:06 PM:

" Once again another case of Europe being ahead of America. Legal prostitution, no drinking age, legal use of some drugs... "

A shame wrote on Jun 22, 2006 2:00 PM:

" It a shame that the La cosse Tribune would want to stoop to this level to print this story. The guy is developmentally challenged. Sure he did something wrong, but is it really newsworthy? This paper will go to any level to sell a few extra copies. This is more of a story for a tabloid than real news. I's ashamed and embarassed at the Tribune. "

used to live there wrote on Jun 22, 2006 1:20 PM:

" From what i remember, there was a "massage" place that was known to everyone as a brothel, and the police passed a blind eye. The biggest problem it caused was that real massage professionals kept getting people looking for prostitues. Just because they haven't issued many tickets for prostitution doesn't mean it doesn't go on. "

ridiculous law wrote on Jun 22, 2006 12:49 PM:

" I think it's pretty unbelievable that there is a law against this also. It's gross, but if they're both adults, why is it anyone's business. Regardless of that, it is absolutely reprehensible that a person's name and address were published for what basically amounts to what should be ordinance violation. And to "Don't feel 'sorry' for him" (9:47 am.) I can't belive you're touting the fact that this guy did something FIVE YEARS ago as an example of a pattern of behavior. I'd take a little less time investigating reasons to find fault with others, and spend a little more time trying to figure out why you being a judgemental jerk makes you feel so good. "

The load from down the road wrote on Jun 22, 2006 12:42 PM:

" This poor guy. He's never, ever gonna get what he's looked for,legally or illegally, now that his name is associated with this. "

One of the best wrote on Jun 22, 2006 12:34 PM:

" This is by far one of the best stories I have ever read. Well let's just say "quarky" news story. Say your having one of those days and then you get your Tribune and of course, because of the awesome headline, your eyes wander to the story "Tricked out of $40?" Hmmm...I wonder what that's about? Hilarious! You think your having a bad day. No...this guy's having a bad day. "

Kelly wrote on Jun 22, 2006 11:22 AM:

" What would happen if I walked into a police station and admitted to over 5,000 incidents of speeding? Would they issue me 5,000 tickets which I couldn't pay, arrest me and liquidate all my possessions? There's something very wrong with this scenario. Voluntary confessions of misdemeanor offenses in the absence of any supporting evidence or attendant threat(s) the public weal should not be grounds for citation. "

D.B. Cooper wrote on Jun 22, 2006 10:56 AM:

" Prostitution should've been decriminalized a long time ago. How sad: a disabled man just trying to enjoy sexual pleasure and gets completely taken advantage of. If it were legalized there would be a safe, regulated place for this fella to visit and enjoy a simple human pleasure. "

John wrote on Jun 22, 2006 10:27 AM:

" Does anyone else out there think it is ridiculous that this is illegal in the 1st place? Is it really something the Government needs to be involved in? As long as it is 2 consenting adults-big deal. "

Don't feel 'sorry' for him wrote on Jun 22, 2006 9:57 AM:

" The guy was aware enough to mention to police he had a learning disability, as if he knew that might somehow give excuse to this stupid action. He obviously was able to think that through. And, both parties should be suspected of engaging in illegal activity, not one or the other. This guy has a disorderly conduct conviction from 2001 for threatening/obscenity using a telephone (WCCA). If he truly has a bad enough disability and can't help but get himself into trouble, perhaps he needs some type of managed care then. "

rethink wrote on Jun 22, 2006 9:26 AM:

" I wrote a post earlier but it did not get posted. It was respectful but questioned the practice of posting the address of a vulnerable adult. While I do not approve of sexual solicitation, I certainly do not approve of the practice of giving out the address of a vulnerable adult. Tribune rethink your practice of doing this. "

The Ripper wrote on Jun 22, 2006 8:49 AM:

" I don't know why the fuss.....He still got shafted for his forty bucks! "

Greem Machine wrote on Jun 22, 2006 8:48 AM:

" I feel sorry for the guy, and I agree with LM. The man name should had not been mentioned. There are a lot of "Women of the Night" selling themselves, and the La Crosse police don't have a clue unless they send one of their own female cop undercover. Keep in mind, La Crosse has been known for this kind of service for many years. The police never took it serious or shall I say, not as important. The police should reimburse the man his money until they find the prostitute. "

was a crime committed? wrote on Jun 22, 2006 8:48 AM:

" Is it a crime if the person supposedly committing the action does not have the cognitive ability to understand that what he was doing was wrong?? "

Way to go Tribune wrote on Jun 22, 2006 8:33 AM:

" Since the Tribune had to print this story the guy has no shot of this "Victoria" ever returning therefore she will continue to take advantage of other unsuspecting people. Did they ever stop to think that if they didn't run this story that maybe, just maybe she would have come back to try to get more out of the guy and the police could have gotten her? Lord knows that there is nothing else going on in the world or this city that could have used the print space more than this little story. "

criminal wrote on Jun 22, 2006 8:10 AM:

" oh come on d.l. it's as much a crime to engage a prostitute as it is for a prostitute to engage a client. This individual was just simple enough upstairs to call the police. Hey, if all miscreants would call authorities on themselves, we'd save a ton on overtime patrols. "

LM wrote on Jun 22, 2006 8:07 AM:

" The snide headline and slant of your article poke fun at the man named in your article. Did you ever consider that he may really have a developmental disability and your snotty story has only magnified his embarrassment? Unless you've known someone with this type of disability it's hard to understand their lack of ability to reason and make sound decisions the way fully functioning people do. "

to d.I. wrote on Jun 22, 2006 8:05 AM:

" Your comment was unnecessary. Yup, the police aughta waste all their recources to track down "some" female named victoria, from the description of a man with a disability foolish enough to call the police and tell them he was soliciting a prostitute. This man is the criminal, w/o people like him there would be NO prostitutes. "

Poor guy wrote on Jun 22, 2006 7:51 AM:

" So instead of being out $40, he's out $200. I'm sure was just lookin' for love. Nothin' wrong with that! "

d.l. wrote on Jun 22, 2006 7:15 AM:

" that is like LaCrosse police department fine him instead of finding the real criminal "

Wow wrote on Jun 22, 2006 1:29 AM:

" The oldest profesion lives on. "


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