The State - News from Aug. 13, 1989

A woman who fled the country two years ago to avoid charges related to a prostitution ring has pleaded guilty in San Diego to pandering and conspiracy to obstruct justice. Karen Wilkening, 42, was described by prosecutors as the madam of a prostitution operation catering to prominent businessmen. Wilkening went into hiding in the Philippines until detectives tracked her down recently and returned her to the United States. As a result of the negotiated plea, she faces up to six years and eight months in state prison and fines up to $20,000. Wilkening’s former attorney, Buford Wiley, faces an Oct. 16 trial for his alleged role in helping her flee the country.