Webmaster Faces Charges Over Zoning

ENFIELD, Conn. — Dominatrix Michelle Silva, who owns and operates bondage and S&M website EmpressM.net out of her residence, has turned herself in to Connecticut police to answer charges of zoning violations.

Silva had obtained a permit for her business, and explained its adult nature to a zoning enforcement officer when applying for the permit.

Police began investigating Silva in January 2005 after receiving an anonymous letter about activities taking place within her house. Officers searched the house and seized fetish toys, bondage items and seven computers that were analyzed at a state police forensic computer lab.

Silva, who also operates FortressOfPain.com and NortheastGoddess.com proclaimed to be not guilty at the time. Two rooms in her house were converted into studios for filming.

“I understand what the charges mean, but I don’t understand how they apply to me,” Silva said. “The whole thing seems to be very underhanded.”

Police Chief Carl J. Sferrazza said the zoning count Silva faces is not a criminal charge.

“She was running a business out of her house, and it’s a violation of the zoning regulation to run this kind of business,” Sferrazza told the Hartford Courant. “She’s been talking very openly. We’re not going to respond to her in this venue. She makes claims that this isn’t really sexual conduct. We’re not going to get into that.”

Silva claims police made disparaging remarks about her lifestyle while raiding her home and did not show her a copy of the search warrant.

“At this point, I noticed there were two, possibly three dozen officers in the house,” Silva wrote on her website about the raid. “[Police] were making degrading and humiliating comments about the things they were taking. At the same time, we were being questioned by the officer who was guarding us about our fetish lifestyle.”

All three of Silva’s websites remain operational, but she claims to not produce any more videos from her house. At its peak, Silva’s sites made roughly $5,000 per month, she claims.

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

UPDATED: Supreme Court Rules Against Adult Industry in Pivotal Texas AV Case

The U.S. Supreme Court on Friday issued its decision in Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton, striking a blow against the online adult industry by ruling in support of Texas’ controversial age verification law, HB 1181.

North Carolina Passes Extreme Bill Targeting Adult Sites

The North Carolina state legislature this week ratified a bill that would impose new regulations that industry observers have warned could push adult websites and platforms to ban most adult creators and content.

Supreme Court Ruling Due Friday in FSC v. Paxton AV Case

The U.S. Supreme Court will rule on Friday in Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton, the adult industry trade association's challenge to Texas’ controversial age verification law, HB 1181.

Ofcom: More Porn Providers Commit to Age Assurance Measures

A number of adult content providers operating in the U.K. have confirmed that they plan to introduce age checks in compliance with the Online Safety Act by the July 25 deadline, according to U.K. media regulator Ofcom.

Aylo Says It Will Comply With UK Age Assurance Requirements

Tech and media company Aylo, which owns various adult properties including Pornhub, YouPorn and Redtube, plans to introduce age assurance methods in the United Kingdom that satisfy government rules under the Online Safety Act, the company has announced.

Kyrgyzstan Parliament Approves Measure Outlawing Internet Porn

The Supreme Council of Kyrgyzstan on Wednesday passed legislation outlawing online adult content in the country.

Trial Set for Lawsuit by U Wisconsin Professor Fired Over Adult Content

A trial date of June 22, 2026, has been set for the civil lawsuit filed by veteran communications professor Joe Gow against the University of Wisconsin board of regents, which fired him for creating and appearing in adult content.

New UK Task Force Meets to Target Adult Content

The architect of an influential report that recommended banning adult content deemed “degrading, violent and misogynistic” has convened an “Independent Pornography Review task force” aimed at translating that report’s findings into action in the U.K.

11:11 Creations Launches Affiliate Program

11:11 Creations principal Alicia Silver has launched 11:11 Cash for creators and affiliates.

Pineapple Support, Pornhub to Host 'Self Love' Support Group

Pineapple Support and Pornhub are hosting a free online support group for performers to develop self-love.

Show More