Couple Convicted of Prostitution Arrested in Newest ‘Sex Church’

A Canyon Country woman who claims to be the high priestess of an ancient Egyptian religion that worships by engaging in sex acts--which led to her conviction on prostitution charges two months ago--was arrested again Tuesday and accused of recruiting another woman to work in what police called a house of prostitution.

Mary Ellen Tracy and her husband, Will Tracy, were arrested by Los Angeles police vice officers in a tiny, one-bedroom house in Silver Lake, the church’s latest headquarters. Detective Alan Vanderpool said police would ask the district attorney’s office to file charges of pandering, a felony, against the couple.

Officers arrested the couple about 1 p.m. after a female undercover officer met the Tracys at the house to discuss the possibility of becoming a priestess in the Church of the Most High Goddess, which the Tracys describe as an ancient religion God ordered them to revive. Vanderpool said the couple acknowledged to the officer that sex acts were performed in the house and that men made donations to take part in them.

The Tracys maintain the payments are “religious sacrifices” protected by the First Amendment.

Mary Ellen Tracy, 47, was handcuffed and led away from the house on Griffith Park Boulevard wearing what has become her trademark costume during many appearances on television talk shows--fishnet stockings, black high-heeled shoes and a strapless red sequined dress.

The Tracys did not resist as police searched the house, which featured a large nude photograph of Mary Ellen Tracy on the wall. The only major pieces of furniture were a couch, a love seat and a bed covered with a furry red spread.

Mary Ellen Tracy was sentenced to 90 days in jail after she was convicted Sept. 8 of prostitution and operating a house of prostitution. Will Tracy was convicted of operating a house of prostitution and sentenced to 180 days in jail.

The Tracys, who have been free on bail while appealing their convictions, said they were still practicing their religion. Four weeks ago, Mary Ellen Tracy told The Times: “I am still performing the rituals as they were prescribed by the goddess. I have not changed anything.”

Will Tracy, 51, said the couple made tape recordings of all conversations in the house to show that their actions were genuinely religious. Such recordings, he said, would prevent police from lying about the church in court. But on Tuesday, police made a recording of their own through a hidden microphone worn by the undercover officer.

The Tracys’ media appearances brought complaints that prompted the arrests Tuesday, Lt. Sam Dacus said. Many people who had heard them on broadcast shows called police, complaining that the Tracys’ religious claims were offensive and asking why they were allowed to continue operating, he said.

Vanderpool said police kept the house under surveillance and interviewed five men who were leaving the residence Oct. 24 and Nov. 7. They said they paid money to have sex with Mary Ellen Tracy.