WHITE PLAINS, N.Y., Dec. 7 (UPI) -- A New York state travel agent whose Web site promotes the Philippines as "a single man's paradise" has been charged with promoting prostitution.
Douglas Allen, owner of Big Apple Oriental Tours in Poughkeepsie, was arraigned Monday in a New York state court in White Plains, The Journal News of White Plains reported. Allen, who was arrested Friday, was being held in lieu of $10,000 bail.
Allen's Web site, baotours.com, sends a mixed message, the newspaper said. On the one hand, it says the primary goal of its tours to the Philippines is to introduce customers to women interested in marrying U.S. men, but it also promises "very steamy nightlife" in that country and Thailand and "guides who can show you a good time."
The Westchester County District Attorney's Office says an undercover investigator negotiated over several months with Allen for a trip where he would be introduced to women willing to have sex. He was allegedly told he could have the exclusive services of one woman while he was in the Philippines if he met one he liked.
Allen and his former business partner, Norman Barabash, were indicted on similar charges in 2004 and acquitted in 2009.
