High-Profile Witness Will Testify in D.C. Madam Trial

WASHINGTON - The racketeering trial of alleged D.C. Madam Deborah Jeane Palfrey starts on Monday, and the judge has ordered one high-profile customer to be ready to testify.

U.S. District Court Judge James Robertson rejected a motion on Friday to quash the subpoena of Sen. David Vitter (R-La.).

Henry Asbill, Vitter's attorney, says Palfrey only subpoenaed the senator to embarrass or harass him, and he has nothing to add to the case.

Asbill said his client would plead the Fifth Amendment, and asked that Vitter not be required to appear in court

Judge Robertson denied Asbill's request, saying even someone who plans to plead the Fifth Amendment has to appear in court.

While Asbill did not mention Vitter by name, he has been Vitter's attorney throughout the Palfrey case.

After the judge's ruling, Asbill was asked whether his client would take the Fifth Amendment or decline to appear - risking being held in contempt of court. Asbill declined to comment.

In a lighter moment, Judge Robertson joked that the topic expected to be covered during the trial would be an educational experience for him.

Jury selection and opening statements begin in federal court on Monday.

(Copyright 2008 by WTOP. All Rights Reserved.)