Wife of Chesco official closer to having sex charges dropped

A 50-year-old accused prostitute, the wife of a Chester County government official, moved closer today to having the prostitution charges withdrawn.

Theresa Mattison Atkins, who is married to Edward J. Atkins, the 10-year head of Chester County's Department of Emergency Services, appeared for a scheduled hearing in Philadelphia community court, a prison-alternative program, but was then excused from the proceeding.

Atkins, a mother of three who promotes herself in ads as Rachael Savage, a well-endowed, well-educated, world-traveled companion, was taken into custody on March 19 during a sex sting at a Center City hotel. Police launched the probe after a Feb. 29 robbery, linked to another accused prostitute.

Assistant Defender Sarah Allen told Judge Georganne V. Daher this morning that Atkins had satisfied all but one requirement of the rehabilitation program: a clean record for six months. The judge set another hearing for Sept. 8.

Assistant District Attorney Jason R. Kleinman explained later that Atkins completed 36 hours of community service, attended a health-education course, and paid court costs of $183. As long as she remains crime-free, the charges will be withdrawn at the next hearing, which she will likely not be required to attend, he said.