'Sex for tix' suspect responds to allegations

  by David Henry

WEST PHILADELPHIA - October 28, 2009 (WPVI) -- The woman accused of offering sex for World Series tickets responded to the accusations against her in an interview with Action News.

"It's like I'm having a really vivid dream," said Susan Finkelstein, 43. "It's unbelievable."

Finkelstein, of West Philadelphia, was charged on Tuesday.

According to investigators, Finkelstein posted an ad on the website Craigslist that read:

After that ad was posted, an undercover officer from Bensalem, Pa. responded and, police say, Finkelstein offered to perform various sex acts in exchange for World Series tickets.

Her lawyer says the ad doesn't offer sex and she wasn't selling her body for tickets.

"Nothing happened here. Police jumped the gun on this case, and I'm confident that Mrs. Finkelstein will be acquitted if this goes to trial," her lawyer said.

Finkelstein said she was just trying to cut a friendly deal.

"I was hoping to get cheap tickets and maybe meet someone, talk, bat my eyelashes, and maybe get some tickets," she said.

Finkelstein says her mother turned her into a life-long Phillies fan. She was there when they won the series in 1980, and was desperate to be part of the excitement again.

"It's so exciting to be part of that, 45,000 people loving each other and loving the Phillies at the same time," said Finkelstein.

The story of her arrest has lit up the internet and is plastered across the national media. Finkelstein says she's now worried she may never regain her reputation.

"That's a concern for me, especially when it comes to my employment and my reputation among family and friends."

As it turns out, Finkelstein will go to the World Series after all. She was offered tickets to Game 3 by a local radio station and car dealership.

When asked if she would accept them, she said "Yes, as long as there's no strings attached."

A radio station in New York is also offering tickets for a game at Yankees Stadium.

RELATED INTERACTION: Read what Action News viewers have to say and send in your own response.

Finkelstein is charged with soliciting prostitution and related offenses. It is unlikely she will face any jail time.

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