Coy Privette charged in prostitution case

SALISBURY -- Former state legislator Coy C. Privette, a Cabarrus County commissioner and retired Baptist minister, was charged today with several misdemeanors related to prostitution, authorities said.

Privette, 74, of Kannapolis, was charged with six counts of aiding and abetting prostitution by renting a hotel room and paying for sexual acts with Tiffany Denise Summers, 32, who was charged with six counts of prostitution, according to arrest warrants.

All charges are misdemeanors, said State Bureau of Investigation Agent Kevin Canty.

Privette was arrested at his home about 7:40 a.m. today by SBI agents, said Department of Justice spokeswoman Noelle Talley. Privette was taken to the Rowan County magistrate's office and released on a written promise to appear in court Aug. 22.

Privette didn't immediately return an e-mail message or messages left on his home and cell phones today.

The SBI was asked to investigate the case last month by Rowan County District Attorney Bill Kenerly, Talley said. Kenerly was not available for comment because he was on vacation, according to his staff.

The Salisbury Post asked Privette about a possible investigation about two weeks ago, the newspaper reported today. Privette said he lost his wallet at a restaurant, and when he got it back two personal checks were missing, according to the newspaper.

The Kannapolis Police Department and SBI investigated the case.

Privette also serves as the president of the Christian Action League of North Carolina, which advocates in the General Assembly for Christian groups, according to the organization's Web site.

Privette has been one of the state's most vocal opponents against alcohol sales and legal gambling. He has been a member of the Cabarrus County Board of Commissioners since 1998, and was a member of the state House from 1984 to 1992.