PORTLAND, Maine – An insurance agent accused of managing a Zumba fitness instructor's prostitution operation in Maine is due to be sentenced.
Mark Strong was convicted earlier this month of 12 counts of promoting prostitution and one count of conspiracy. Prosecutors are seeking a 364-day jail term while the defense is asking for no more than 14 days in jail. His sentencing is Thursday.
Prosecutors say they're seeking a sentence that warns that "this type of criminal enterprise is not tolerated in Maine." But the defense has stressed that Strong is a community leader, husband and father who poses no risk.
The 57-year-old Strong has acknowledged helping 30-year-old Alexis Wright open her Kennebunk dance studio. He says he loaned her money that was repaid with interest, and that he didn't profit from prostitution.
The hottest stories ripped from the headlines, from crime to courts, legal and scandal.
