Cepparulo declined, saying there were ample grounds to try the self-advertised "buxom blonde" accused of offering sex for Phillies-Yankees World Series tickets. Her trial is scheduled for Feb. 24.
Prosecutors did, however, withdraw a more serious charge of promoting prostitution, saying the lesser charges - prostitution and criminal attempt - better match the accusations against her.
"We're certainly headed in the right direction," Brennan said afterward.
Finkelstein was not in court. Brennan said she "had other business to attend to." Her Facebook page said she was in Cozumel, Mexico.
In October, she placed a Craigslist ad, calling herself a "gorgeous tall buxom blonde" in "desperate need" of tickets. "Price negotiable - I'm the creative type!"
Bensalem Township police answered the ad, dangling three tickets and asking for her photo. She sent three topless shots.
A meeting was arranged at the bar of a Bensalem restaurant. A plainclothes officer negotiated with Finkelstein while three other officers waited nearby.
At a preliminary hearing in December, Officer Michael Brady said Finkelstein had described herself as a prostitute, exposed herself, and offered sex for tickets. Finkelstein has said she was merely flirting in hope of a price break.
Brennan contends that no laws were broken, no sex occurred, and nothing of value was traded. He said: "We are going to fight this case to the finish."
Contact staff writer Larry King at 215-345-0446 or lking@phillynews.com.
