Judge declines to dismiss charges in prostitution trial

1:38 PM, Mar 5, 2013   |    comments
  • Share
  • Email
  • Print
  • - A A A +

ALFRED, Maine (AP) - A judge has declined to dismiss any remaining counts against a Maine man accused of helping a Zumba instructor run a prostitution business, setting the stage for closing arguments.

The defense on Tuesday asked the judge to dismiss all but one or two misdemeanor charges against Mark Strong, saying there were problems with the indictment and that prosecutors unnecessarily piled on charges.

Justice Nancy Mills said she was satisfied with the indictment and that the counts avoided duplication.

Closing arguments were expected Tuesday afternoon.

Strong is accused of helping Zumba instructor Alexis Wright use her Kennebunk fitness studio as a front for prostitution.

He acknowledged having an affair with Wright and helping her launch the studio but contends he never profited from her activities.

(Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)