Woman who ran Kennebunk 'Zumba brothel' released from prison

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/nov/23/zumba-prostitution-woman-released-maine-prison

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The Zumba instructor who ran a prostitution business in which she videotaped unsuspecting clients so her business partner could watch from his office 100 miles away has been released from jail, bringing to a close a scandal featuring sex videos, adultery and a client list with more than 100 names.

Alexis Wright left the York County Jail about 9.45am Saturday after serving nearly six months of a 10-month sentence that was reduced because of good behavior and participation in a work program.

Wearing a gray suit and clutching a stack of folders, Wright strode out of the jail and into the waiting sport utility vehicle driven by her husband.

"I have no comment," she said.

The scandal erupted a year ago in an unlikely place, a small town known for its beaches, New England charm and proximity to former President George HW Bush's seaside estate in Kennebunkport.

Fitness clients were surprised by Wright's prostitution business, but police officers had become suspicious after fielding complaints about groaning, loud music and men coming and going from an office Wright rented across the street from her studio.

According to police, her business partner, Mark Strong, watched the sexual encounters unfold in real time via computer in his insurance company's office. In a twist at her sentencing, Wright said that her business partner had tricked her into believing she was a secret operative investigating sexual deviance.

Prosecutors didn't buy Wright's story, saying investigators continue to believe the 30-year-old Wright was "a willing participant" in the prostitution business. Detailed records over an 18-month period indicated Wright made $150,000 tax-free. She also collected more than $40,000 in public assistance, prosecutors said.

Strong, a 58-year-old married father of two, acknowledged having an affair with Wright and helping her start the fitness studio but said he didn't profit from the prostitution. He was convicted of 13 counts related to promotion of prostitution and sentenced to 20 days in jail.

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