CINCINNATI -- A Hamilton County Sheriff's deputy charged with promoting prostitution was back in court Thursday morning as a judge granted his defense team a delay in the trial until Dec. 7 so new evidence could be entered.
In September, Sgt. James Erpelding pleaded not guilty to charges of promoting prostitution and procuring a prostitute for another. He stands accused of setting up sexual encounters for hire for his wife and sister-in-law in premises he was responsible for on two occasions -- May 6 and Aug. 17 -- according to the indictment.
Erpelding has worked for the sheriff's office for 17 years, and he worked most recently in the county corrections division. Erpelding was placed on paid administrative leave after his wife was arrested. Officials said he was placed on an unpaid suspension immediately following the indictment.
Elizabeth Erpelding, 32, James' wife, and her sister, 29-year-old Krysten Powers, were both charged with prostitution and having drug abuse instruments in August. Police said the sisters did one job together for $185. Powers pleaded guilty to two counts of prostitution and one count of possessing drug abuse instruments Sept. 1, according to court records.
