KNDO/KNDU Tri-Cities, Yakima, WA | KHQ Exclusive: Surveillance reveals former Rep. Curtis' scandalous tryst
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SPOKANE, Wash. - KHQ has obtained exclusive surveillance video revealing a rendezvous between former Washingon State Representative Richard Curtis and the 26-year old man he accused of extortion.
The video shows both Curtis and beau Cody Castagna entering and leaving the posh Davenport Hotel Towers together the night of October 26, 2007, after meeting initially at a Hollywood Erotique Boutique store. Additional surveillance video shows Curtis leaving an envelope containing the payment for Castagna.
Curtis resigned from office amidst the gay sex scandal. Castagna says he agreed to have sex with Curtis for $1,000. Curtis vehemently denied he was gay and says Castagna tried to extort the money.
Curtis previously issued a statement saying he feels he's done a lot of good during his time in the Legislature, but "events that have recently come to light have hurt a lot of people."
He added, "I sincerely apologize for any pain my actions may have caused." He said, "This has been damaging to my family, and I don't want to subject them to any additional pain that might result from carrying out this matter under the scrutiny that comes with holding public office."
Previously released surveillance photos showed the man who picked up the first extortion payment made by Republican Senator Richard Curtis.
The suspect was seen entering the Davenport Hotel Towers lobby Thursday October 26, 2007 at 7:20 a.m. Detectives still ask that anyone with any information about the suspect's identity to please call 242-TIPS.
Spokane County prosecutor, Larry Steinmetz, said it would take weeks to decide whether to charge 26-year-old Cody Castagna for extortion.
State GOP lawmakers were in Spokane last Wednesday through Friday for a retreat to discuss the upcoming legislative session. The leaders will choose a successor for Curtis to serve in the Legislature until the 2008 election.
Curtis was elected to the state House of Representatives in 2004, representing a portion of southwestern Washington.
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