PHOENIX — www.kpho.com- David Elms has been called a power broker in the sex trade.

Phoenix police arrested him in February, saying he was behind a murder for hire plot.

Police reports obtained by CBS 5 show that Paul Nichta, the ringleader of the multi-million dollar Desert Divas prostitution ring, tipped off police to the alleged plot. Nichta pled guilty last month to charges stemming from the Desert Divas investigation.

“This was a serious attempt to have somebody murdered and hurt,” said Phoenix police Sgt. Andy Hill.

Elms ran “The Erotic Review,” a Web site that rates escorts and provides graphic detail about the quality of escorts’ services.

Many say Elms had tremendous influence over how much money escorts could make, and believe he abused that power.

“He will manipulate the site because if a girl gives him money and free sex, he will post great reviews of her — which will bring her money,” said one escort, who only wanted to be identified as ‘Veronica.’ “He’s manipulative and girls are scared to death of him.”

Investigators said Elms drove from California to Phoenix on Valentine’s Day, and met with undercover officers in north Phoenix.

Records show Elms paid the undercover officers $500 for a half ounce of cocaine, agreed to pay them an additional $3,000 to break the legs of a man who often criticized him and discussed wanting to kill a woman who was suing him.

“The suspect, David Elms, wanted to have somebody killed. He is very angry, and demonstrated that in what he asked for; and the deal was made with undercover officers,” said Sgt. Hill.