US Senator's hubby in sex row

Thomas Athans, 46, co-founder of the liberal TalkUSA Radio network, was stopped by police who were investigating prostitution at the hotel, according to a police report obtained.

The husband of US Senator Debbie Stabenow told police he paid a prostitute $150 (euro96) for sex at a hotel, according to a police report.

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Thomas Athans, 46, co-founder of the liberal TalkUSA Radio network, was stopped by police who were investigating prostitution at the hotel, according to a police report obtained on Wednesday by The Associated Press under the state Freedom of Information Act. The Detroit Free Press and The Detroit News first reported on the case.

Stabenow, a Democrat, said in a statement it was "very disturbing and serious. Obviously it's a deeply difficult and personal matter."

Athans said in a statement issued by his attorney that "no words can fully express how sorry I am. At the time this incident occurred, I took responsibility for my actions and fully cooperated with law enforcement."

"My family and I are dealing with this matter in a personal and private way," Athans said in the statement.

Troy police had set up a stakeout at the Residence Inn because of allegations of prostitution at a room in the motel, the police report said.

Officers said they saw Athans enter the room February 26 and leave 15 minutes later. He was stopped and informed of the investigation. He told the officers he had used the Internet to make a date with a prostitute and paid her $150 (euro96) for oral sex at the motel, the report said.

Stabenow and Athans married in 2003. He started TalkUSA Radio in 2006 after leading programming at Air America, the liberal network that declared bankruptcy that year.

Police said they arrested Alycia Martin, 20, of Westland in the hotel room on a charge of prostitution. She was arraigned March 12 and freed on $100 (euro64) bail pending a hearing. She could not be reached for comment.