FBI agent facing prostitution solicitation charges claims innocence

An FBI agent uncover as an arms broker in the Philippines has denied accusations that he used federal funds for prostitutes, AP reported.  

Federal prosecutors admit the agent, whose name has not been released, sought $15,000 in reimbursements for “entertainment” while posing as a broker for Mexican drug cartels at two Philippine nightclubs, but the agent said those funds did not go to pay for sex.

"At no time did I pay to have sex with any employee" of the two nightclubs, stated court documents filed by federal prosecutors. "I was never told by any manager that the bill included prostitution, nor did I ever see prostitution, in any term, listed on any bill."

The accusations come from Sergio Santiago Syjuco – a Philippine national who is charged with violating arms import laws by selling a grenade launcher, a mortar launcher and other weapons. A public defender representing Syjuco said the night clubs are suspected brothels, and one of them was raided in May. Philippine authorities involved in the raid rescued 60 victims of trafficking, some of whom were underage girls. 

The attorney for Syjuco accused the FBI agent of solicitation and is seeking to have charges again his client -- as well as two other Philippine citizens -- dropped due to “outrageous government conduct.” The three Philippine nationals face up to 20 years in prison if convicted.

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