PALM BAY, Fla.,None — Detectives said a Brevard County college woman was living two very different lives; a student by day and a madam by night.
Christy Morrison was arrested Tuesday night for running an online escort service, and appeared before a judge Wednesday afternoon.
"Christy Morrison to the podium, please. She's indigent, so I'm appointing a public defender," a judge said.
Morrison was appointed a public defender because she claimed she couldn't afford a lawyer. But Palm Bay detectives said Morrison made more than enough money by running an online prostitution service and charging clients $100 upfront for a visit, which did not include the cost for a sexual act.
The 35-year-old attends Brevard Community College in Palm Bay. She's taking an anatomy class there.
WFTV showed Morrison's mug shot to people in her neighborhood.
"I've lived next to her, her whole life," said neighbor Paul Erdmann.
Morrison's childhood friends had no idea about her double life. Nancy Johnson and Paul Erdmann remember going to school as kids with her.
"We're totally shocked. I never would've suspected that," said Erdmann.
"It's surprising. I never would've even thought of it," said Johnson.
Morrison lists 1195 Lake Washington Avenue as her company address on her "Prestige Escorts" website, but there's no escort service there. It's a repair shop.
Repair shop workers told WFTV they didn't recognize her.
Police said they know of at least three women Morrison would drive to and from jobs, but no other arrests have been made.
Investigators do not consider escorting a significant problem in the city, but residents WFTV spoke with said they disagree.
"There's a lot of that going on around here," resident Ron Coyle said.
Morrison's bond was set at $40,000.
Police said they want to find out if she had other business partners.