Ex-Hollywood Madam Fleiss Arrested

PAHRUMP, Nev. (AP) — Former Hollywood madam Heidi Fleiss was arrested Thursday on charges of illegal possession of prescription drugs and driving under the influence, authorities said.

Fleiss was pulled over at about 9:30 a.m. by sheriff's deputies responding to a report of a possible drunken driver, the Nye County sheriff's office said.

Fleiss, 42, and a passenger in the car, John Owen, were found to be under the influence of a controlled substance, the sheriff's office said. Fleiss had prescription medication but could not produce a valid prescription, the sheriff's office said.

Fleiss was arrested on four counts, including possession of dangerous drugs without a prescription and driving under the influence. Owen, 53, was arrested on charges of being under the influence of a controlled substance and possession of marijuana.

A call seeking comment to a cell phone believed to be Fleiss' went unanswered Thursday, and there was no number for Owen listed in the Pahrump directory. Sheriff's deputies said they did not know if either had an attorney.

She posted bail of $1,376, while Owen posted bail of $1,264. Both were released.

Fleiss operates a coin-operated laundry, called Dirty Laundry, in this desert town 60 miles west of Las Vegas. She moved to Nye County in late 2005, after having been jailed in California for running a prostitution ring.