03-06-2013, 07:01 PM
ALFRED, Maine ââ¬â An insurance agent was convicted today of promoting a prostitution business centered at a Zumba studio in a small coastal town.
Mark Strong Sr. was a full partner who controlled, supervised and managed the prostitution business being run by the fitness instructor, prosecutors said.
Strong, 57, acknowledged having an affair with Alexis Wright and helping her open the studio but contended he didn't profit from her activities. His attorneys said he was a smitten lover who wanted to help the single mother.
Wright is awaiting trial and has pleaded not guilty.
Jurors deliberated for 4 1/2 hours before announcing that they had found Strong guilty of all 13 counts ââ¬â 12 of promoting prostitution and one of conspiracy. He showed no emotion as the verdict was announced. His wife leaned into his son and cried.
The scandal in Kennebunk, a seaside village known more for its sea captains' homes and beaches than crime, attracted international attention last fall after it was reported that Wright's ledgers indicated she had more than 150 clients and made $150,000 over 18 months.
Mark Strong Sr. was a full partner who controlled, supervised and managed the prostitution business being run by the fitness instructor, prosecutors said.
Strong, 57, acknowledged having an affair with Alexis Wright and helping her open the studio but contended he didn't profit from her activities. His attorneys said he was a smitten lover who wanted to help the single mother.
Wright is awaiting trial and has pleaded not guilty.
Jurors deliberated for 4 1/2 hours before announcing that they had found Strong guilty of all 13 counts ââ¬â 12 of promoting prostitution and one of conspiracy. He showed no emotion as the verdict was announced. His wife leaned into his son and cried.
The scandal in Kennebunk, a seaside village known more for its sea captains' homes and beaches than crime, attracted international attention last fall after it was reported that Wright's ledgers indicated she had more than 150 clients and made $150,000 over 18 months.