BIDDEFORD, Maine — An 11th-hour attempt by an attorney for two of the alleged clients of a Kennebunk prostitution operation has been rejected.
But the lawyer made an appeal of that rejection Friday morning to Superior Court Justice Nancy Mills.
Biddeford District Court Judge Andre Janelle denied Thursday evening a request for a preliminary injunction that would have prevented the public release of a client list in possession of both the prosecution and defense in the Kennebunk prostitution case, a court clerk said Friday morning. The injunction also sought to prevent the release of the names of people charged by Kennebunk Police in connection to the case.
The motion had been filed late Thursday by attorney Stephen Schwartz of Portland on behalf of John Doe No. 1 and John Doe No. 2, according to a clerk in the Biddeford court.
The Kennebunk Police Department was scheduled to release Friday the first batch of names of people charged with solicitation of prostitution. Kennebunk police Lt. Anthony Bean Burpee said Friday morning that the release is on hold until Judge Mills makes her ruling.
Charged thus far in connection with the alleged operation of a prostitution business out of Kennebunk are 29-year-old Alexis Wright of Wells and Mark Strong Sr., 57, of Thomaston. Wright, who operated a Zumba dance studio in Kennebunk, was indicted on 106 criminal charges. Those include failure to pay taxes in 2009, 2010 and 2011. Other offenses include engaging in prostitution, promotion of prostitution, violation of privacy with an inside device, conspiracy, unsworn falsification, evasion of income tax and felony theft.
Wright entered pleas of not guilty at a hearing Tuesday in Cumberland County Superior Court.
Strong, 57, was indicted last week on 59 criminal charges.
He also entered pleas of not guilty.
Those include 12 counts of promotion of prostitution, two counts of conspiracy and 45 counts of invasion of privacy with an inside device. The latter charges refer to the clients of the business being videotaped without their knowledge or consent. All the charges, except the two conspiracy counts, are Class D offenses which carry a maximum jail sentence of a year in jail. The conspiracy counts are Class E crimes which carry a maximum penalty of six months in jail.
I’m trying to be a good person, and not revel in others misfortunes, but i’m failing miserably. I want to see the names!
I agree. If the “Johns” are going to summonsed to court for the solicitation of a prostitute then their records become public record.
And before November 6th!
Agreed. I get the feeling somone on the list is also on a ballot of some kind.
IN MAINE YOU MUST BE KIDDING
Oh me too!!!
bring on the list!!!
While I am also guilty of wanting to see this train wreck, I am afraid we have way to many hangups on this subject and maybe we should learn a little from the French.
You shouldn’t feel too guilty here. Cheating on wives, breaking the law, and risking the spread of STD’s (especially into one’s marriage) doesn’t really fall into any category as a “misfortune.” These individuals earned what they are about to receive. Now they will have to pay back those they have harmed and live with the knowledge of who and what they are.
Trust….years to build….only a moment to destroy…
NOT IN MAINE
I can see the divorce Lawyers just chomping at the bit and licking their chops for the list to come out…………………..
LOL, some of them could well be divorce lawyers.
removed by poster.
removed by poster…why won’t Disqus work properly today?
This is nothing more than public shaming.
I am willing to bet that many of these people will lose jobs and families over a silly law that is outdated and not needed.
When you choose to engage in this activity you know that there might be consequences.
Be that as it may, there is no reason for the information to be released. It has no value other than to humiliate and ruin the lives of the people on the list.
In my opinion, the wives and girlfriends of these individuals deserve to know that they’ve been exposed to possible sexually transmitted diseases.
That is not the job of the law to do, rather the job of the individual.
Yes, it is the job of law enforcement to alert someone if they are the victim of a crime.
You have a valid point.
as it should!
What about the female? She’s the only one who did anything wrong? Why’s her name – and face – plastered all over the place?
She was the “leader” thus the one facing the more serious charges.
If the woman who prostituted herself and the man she was partners with were arrested, then it’s only fair that the clients names be made public also, in my humble opinion.
I’ll tell you one reason, all criminal court information is public. Do you honestly think they can go to trial and no one will know?
Exactly, although it’s an obvious minority POV. “The people need to know” in other words, this sells for the titillation value which is kinda weird by itself. It’s a victimless “crime.” Just “like all politics is local,” all locales are political & we need to know what our neighbors are doing so we can feel better about our own lot in life. Seems rather small minded although I respect that lots of folks want to see names possibly hoping that someone who rubs them the wrong way is on the list.
For that matter, it’s a national curiosity @ this point. Maine gets on the map for something I guess…
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/49358745/
It just might also enlighten the rest of us, people that we may deal with, do business with, our kids go to the same school, they are in city government, they are our neighbors….we might have respected them for having similar values….only to find out that they don’t …….. we deserve to know if the law allows.
forget the law. If I am the wife, I’d want to know if my husband is cheating, looking for sex, possibly picking up an std. If this prostitute was the only one serving ALL of these people, I can’t imagine the “germs” that are being swapped.
But, prostitution and drugs and crime all go hand in hand. These men committed crimes and they should be treated as all other criminals. Less Johns less prostitution. Criminals have their names published. I want to make sure it isnt someone I am voting for but, I would like to see how many good Christians names are there so this state can see who they are following into Hell.
Drugs and violence follow prostitution because it is illegal, make it legal and watch all those problems go away.
Legal brothels have excellent health and safety rates. Plus all the women make a wage that is very good.
But, Maine doesn’t have legal brothels! Why make it legal, so more people can contract an STD and pass it along legally? I don’t see any sense in your comments. You say that legal brothels have excellent health and safety rates – ok, what if the customer is carrying something and then sleeps with the hooker, she then turns around and services many other “johns” that day – how is that safe? I can’t see anyone going to a brothel, getting a blood test first, waiting for the results and then when they get the free and clear, head off and do their business. I don’t see that happening…
Although in one sense I agree with you I can tell you that no woman feels good about herself when engaging in this type of behavior. It is not healthy for her or anyone else.
You are just to ugly to get it on your own! Go ahead, pay for it…and see what you get….we will all read you obit in the BDN pal….
Even in states that have legal prostitution they do have issues with illegal prostitutes.
These men are not criminals until they are convicted and since you a pre-judging them looks like your heading to hell with them!
Right, an the public never hears about any criminal before an indictment is made.
Which is what I said. Names of CRIMINALS should be released. No indictment, no criminal.
An indictment does not make one a criminal, a conviction does.
And, but also, I said that it’s not like we never hear about any criminal before an indictment, which was sarcasm.
Wow your mean. I said those who were guilty actually. I am not pre judging anyone. Those who are charged with a crime have their names in the papers. Has always been that way and it often seems to be those who portray themselves as better than others. But you can be an angry man I will pray for you. God Bless.
It may be a silly law, but last I checked, we don’t get to pick and choose the laws we follow. At least not without consequences.
You notice the BDN and the Portland Press have not published those names even though they can. I wonder who the press is protecting….
Mainemom…if you read the story, you’ll see it says ” that the release is on hold until Judge Mills makes her ruling.” Maybe read the whole story before passing judgment on the press that is trying to do its job.
Play around pay the price.
Aside from people who live for gossip- I see no reason to publish these people’s names. What is the point?
well, since one of the ‘johns’ is a tv news anchor, I for one would really like to know who it is; not to mention those on city councils and in positions of leadership; just who are these people doing this that we might have entrusted our care to.
It’s our right to know what “extra curricular activities” our president and other government officials (local or otherwise) are doing. Just like in Clinton’s case – if they are out there fooling around and hiding it from their wives, what else are they hiding? Self control and they obviously have none.
Not to mention that prostitution is illegal!!
Well,
It’ a misdemeanor with a $200 fine. When the girls in Brewer who were peddling it on Craigslist got caught, they laughed at the fine. Simply the cost of doing business.
Legalize it, tax it, have monthly med checks. It’s a win win.
You are 100% correct.
My opinion is that you are simply a busybody.
your can have your own opinion, certainly, but the rest of us would like, and BTW are entitled to know more…… go ahead, bury your head in the sand if you need to….
You hit the nail on the head, they should legalize it.. Nosey people crack me up.
It turns out that the public has a right to know, they are potential criminals…..
It’s funny, this case was the topic of conversation at the dinner table last night, with my wife of over forty years, and my adult son, who is in LE.
We all agree, as unfortunate as it is for all involved, the names should be made public. We also agreed that the laws regarding prostitution are archaic.
If you don’t want your name in the paper, don’t commit crimes. Hiring a prostitute is illegal. I hope the BDN obtains and publishes the entire list.
Why? So you can silently pass judgment without knowing the reasons behind their “crime”?
are you saying that it is ok to hire a prostitute?! It’s all about being selfish and trying to fulfill your sexual desires. How many families are going to be ruined because their husbands or boyfriends couldn’t keep it in their pants! There are no excuses in this case…
technically its not a crime, its a civil infraction, similar to a speeding ticket but a lot more embarassing.
In the United States, the federal government generally considers a crime punishable with incarceration for one year or less to be a misdemeanor, so it turns out it is a crime….
under Maine state law engaging the services on a prostitute is a class E crime but the statute limits the penalty to a fine only—no jail sentence—prior to 2001 in Maine it was a civil infraction.
Engaging in prostitution is a Class E misdemeanor.
same answer as above–under Maine state law engaging the services on a prostitute is a class E crime but the statute limits the penalty to a fine only—no jail sentence—prior to 2001 in Maine it was a civil infraction.
Not correct class E crimes are subject to 6 months jail and or $500.
accept for common prostitution which is only a fine on the first conviction–its an anomally in the criminal code Subject: [bdn] Re: Judge rejects request to seal the names of alleged ‘ johns’ in Kennebunk prostitution case
I seriously doubt it will be silent :)
Others in the community deserve to know if there are criminals living near them. Criminals don’t get the luxury of being “anonymous.” There is no excuse for breaking the law.
So now we get to have “reasons” for committing a crime? That’s swell. Pardon the pun, but how many people get off because they have a really, really good reason for committing a crime?
“Well you see judge, I am broke, therefore, I ropped the CVS. I wouldn’t have had to, if I didn’t have a good reason.”
Well,
It’s not a “crime” it’s a misdemeanor. Legalize it, tax it, make them subject to monthly med checks. I’m not going to try and tell a women what she should do with her body.
Wiki: In the United States, the federal government generally considers a crime punishable with incarceration for one year or less to be a misdemeanor
So, it turns out that a misdemeanor is a crime after all…. who knew? Not You!
Yea,
Like Jaywalking.
Not sure that Jaywalking has the same import… some innocence/stupidity required, oh wait…maybe they did not realize what was going on……Justsayin…
Legalize, Tax, monthly med checks. That way these young women can “pull themselves up by their bootstraps” and get off state aid.
I think ole’ ‘hopperdredgbill’ might have HIS name on this list, no? Perhaps some other list?
Couldn’t have said it better myself!
The think the main reason people want to have the names released is so they can site back and pass judgement about so-and-so. They can stand on their moral high ground and condemn the actions of other while if it were made legal they’d be first in line.
Or, they think that criminals shouldn’t get off easy.
Oh, the criminals got off alright….
Can anybody who’s an attorney out there tell me ethically how Attorney Schwartz filed motions on behalf of a defendant’s alleged clients? Isn’t this a conflict of interest? How could he represent both sides of this matter? And that assumes that he spoke directly with the John Does directly in the first place. If he didn’t speak to them directly, again, ethically, how could he file this motion? Because it sounds to me like johns were videotaped, probably without their consent (criminal act perhaps? maybe to extort money?) so this lawyer couldn’t represent both sides of the coin. Just curious.
As long as both “clients” have the same interest (preventing their names from being made public), a lawyer can represent both at the same time. If, at any time, their interests diverge, say one turns state’s evidence and agrees to testify against Wright, Strong and the other “clients”, then the lawyer would have to remove himself from representing either of them.
THanks.
He doesn’t represent both sides. He represents two “Johns,” not Alexis Wright and not Mark Strong.
Ok, I see. thanks
OK, so where is the list?
Lepage is trying everything to keep the names from coming out.
Frustraited republians have been caught with their pants down again.
I don’t really care either way, but wasn’t it a Democrat who got a BJ in the oval office?
but he told us “one more time” he did not have sexual relations with that woman, miss L. he even pointed his finger…………..
yeah but it was a freebie
Something about Monica….I wish I was Bill at the time..
And this statement is based on what fact?
“Mark Strong Sr., 57, of Thomaston. Wright, who operated a Zumba dance studio in Kennebunk, was indicted on 106 criminal charges. Those include failure to pay taxes in 2009, 2010 and 2011. Other offenses include engaging in prostitution, promotion of prostitution, violation of privacy with an inside device, conspiracy, unsworn falsification, evasion of income tax and felony theft.”
But go easy on him! lol, he’s a job creator!
LOL!!! I had to chuckle at your comment!
Tee Hee!
Enough money to pay for sex, enough money to hire a lawyer to cover up their mistkes. Must be somebody pretty high up with alot to lose. Time to pay the piper MUHAHAHAHAHA!
Well, maybe not but lets just see the list as allowed under the law, then we will see…..
Ok, so lets see the list… I know it will be bad for some, but after all, it IS an illegal activity!
ARE YOU SERIOUS!!!! You don’t even know me and I am not going this route with you nor am I going to defend my personal life with my husband – I feel sorry for you. You’re a pig…
You just stooped to his level joy.
I know, I know. I shouldn’t but people like this can’t get away speaking to others like this. My temper gets the best of me sometimes…
Animal!!!!
I take that back, I’m not going to insult innocent animals.
He is a sicko
just remember folks,no matter whose name is on that list they are guilty because they are named,isn’t that the way it works around here? i just looked up zumba, and i’m pretty sure the johns must have been comin and goin through the back door,if you need to pay for sex,you probably would look out of place at a zumba class.
No everyone on the list will be innocent until proven guilty. But I would like to hear how their name got on such a list. It’s not like signing up for credit card, who then sells your info to everyone in the known universe.
Why would she keep names of people she didn’t have a working relationship with?
Is the Penobscot Narrows Bridge taller than anything in Southern Maine?
…
Justice will prevail and truth will come out.
Sorry to pop your bubble, but that is not always the things go these days…..
I hope you have stocked up on popcorn.
Aren’t people innocent until proven guilty? It looks like
people are more interested in having a list of names published so that they can
know who is being accused so that everyone can start taking their shots instead
of wanting to know who actually committed a crime. Let’s say they have a list
that includes John Doe from Kennebunk, but there are 2 John Does that live in Kennebunk.
The police try to identify the correct one, however they chose the wrong one
and his name is published and he loses his Job or family as a result of his
name being published. All over a civil infraction that will result in a small
fine and no jail time. This makes no since. Why the change now? Cases resolved
in district court are typically published in the Newspaper after they have been
settled so most of the guilty parties will have their names published IF they
are guilty. Pretty scary that so many people are willing to judge people in
this manner as if they are perfect. It’s seems to me that releasing the list of
names at this point is so that the public can judge people without all of the
facts.
Public disclosure, transparency, dictates that the names be listed. If they are not guilty, let them defend themselves and be proven not guilty. Prostitution is a crime, if they have evidence/records, let them be printed, as dictated by law. If they are truly innocent, the evidence will support that and exhonerate them in they eyes of the community.
Check the top right hand side of the online BDN. Most of the stories are about people arrested or suspected of a crime, not convicted.
I just found out my husband is on this list…grrrrrrr!
Sux having your husband cheat on you with a male prostitute..
Cheer up..Time will make it all better.
she looked female to me—but these days you can’t be sure
Only natural to try it once or twice…LOL
Good! Grounds for divorce. You should be able to leave him with nothing but the pair of shorts he took off to sin behind your back.
Early on in this case it was reported that people got videotaped without consent. Add to that the “clients” having their names released to the public. Wright and Strong are probably thinking at least one of those people might be a wee bit unstable.
LOL! I think the DA’s office were protecting their BFF’s
I always took the video taping to be used later for blackmail purposes and less so for security reasons.
a technique used for a very long time and in some high places — this list should be interesting to say the least
Anyone “up” for some Zumba..hahaha!
I hope the jewelry stores are open late when this list is made public. Kobe Bryant knows where the good one is.
OK, if what they did was not prostitution, why are they trying to protect the names. If the men did not engage in sex for money then what are they afraid of?
Wright or Strong? Lets see the list!
She is a hottie….
Future wife Stevey?
Maybe girl friend, marriage is over rated…LOL
yuck! just thinking about how many “johns” she may have served! make me want to throw up.
Oh, come on….Its human nature…
It will be interesting to see how many wives divorce their husbands after they read the client list!
I’m sorry John Doe #’s 1 & 2, but you get zero sympathy from me. I don’t really care if you don’t want your name in the news. Everyone is innocent until proven guilty, you will have your day in court, and if you are not guilty of the charge you will be found so. But I guess my question would be, how did your name get on the list? Is there video evidence of you there? If so, perhaps you should’ve weighed the consequences of your actions then, and not after the fact. While I may not care if you pay to have sex, on a personal level, it is still against the law here in Maine, and I am pretty sure you both knew that.
Why is Mr Strongs name in the Paper, when he hasn’t been convicted of any crime yet???
Oh I’m sorry that is the argument they are using to conceal the list. Me bad.
We read “If you don’t want your name in the paper, don’t commit crimes. Hiring a prostitute is illegal.”
Unless you are so drunk you can’t walk it is also unnecessary.
The humble Farmer
We are in the midst of seeing, the whole Maine system of justice being put on trial. The question is, is there a two-tier justice system in Maine. Certainly they have no problem listing names, when they catch some poor fellows growing pot in the woods, or a coach with an OUI,
now all the sudden, it is well, wait we might destroy a career, hmmm. If they conceal even on name on the list, the integrity of the whole Maine Justice System is going to be proven to be opened to being swayed by influence and money. I pray this does not happen, equal justice for all, from laborer to professional, these ethics must be always in our courts.
Legalize it……Prostitutes are cheaper than wives in the long run.
Why is she being charged for prostitution if there is not any johns being charged. And if the johns are being charged it should be public record.Typical double standard.