Male Escort To Testify In Mike Peterson Trial Monday

DURHAM, N.C. — A male escort who Mike Peterson allegedly solicited sex from over the Internet will testify in the trial on Monday.

The prosecution said Mike Peterson and an N.C. State student known as "Brad" sent e-mails to each other. In those e-mails, Peterson said he would pay "Brad" for sex. Authorities also found a nude picture of "Brad" on Mike Peterson's desk.

"Brad" is described in his early 20s and a reservist in the U.S. Army. He also reportedly used a military computer to send e-mails to Peterson.

Earlier in the day, Thomas Loflin III, a lawyer for "Brad", had told Judge Orlando Hudson that his client did not want to testify in the trial. Loflin also asked that if he had to testify, he wanted for immunity from possible state and federal prosecution as well as a possible court-martial.

Hudson later said he could not grant "Brad" immunity from possible prosecution by federal authorities and the military, but he will have immunity from state prosecution.

Hudson also ruled that the media will be allowed to show "Brad's" face, but his name will not be revealed to the public.

Peterson is charged with the death of his wife, Kathleen, at their home in December 2001.

Earlier on Friday, computer analyst Todd Markley testified about e-mails pulled from Mike Peterson's computer. One message was between Peterson and his wife. In the e-mail, the Durham novelist talked about wanting to work on their marriage.

The e-mail was dated the day before Kathleen died. In another e-mail between Peterson and an unnamed friend, he referred to infidelities within the marriage.

The computer analyst also said about 2,500 gay pornographic pictures were found on Peterson's computer.