KENNEBUNK — The investigation in Kennebunk’s now-infamous prostitution case is “slowing down,” police said Friday as they added just two names to the list of men charged with being clients of Alexis Wright.
Since Oct. 16, Kennebunk police have released lists roughly every two weeks identifying men charged with engaging a prostitute. The lists have included as many as 21 names.
At least 64 men have now been charged in the case.
With Friday’s list, police added only Jay P. Sanborn, 46, of 150 Elm St. in Springvale and Ricky J. Dewitt, 49, of 46 Oscar Waitfield Road in Lyman.
Both men are due in Biddeford District Court on Feb. 20.
At least seven men have pleaded guilty to engaging a prostitute, a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of as much as $1,000. Only three of them have appeared in court.
Those three, who were on the list released Oct. 16, pleaded guilty in Biddeford District Court on Wednesday. The others hired attorneys to enter pleas for them, avoiding further media attention.
Kennebunk police Lt. Anthony Bean Burpee said that as the investigation has progressed, men who believe they may be charged have begun hiring lawyers to talk directly with the York County District Attorney’s Office to resolve their cases, rather than talk with investigators.
The case has drawn international attention, in part because Wright allegedly kept detailed records of more than 150 clients, including some prominent figures.
The investigation has centered on Wright, 29, a former Zumba instructor from Wells who authorities say used her studio in Kennebunk as a one-woman brothel.
She is charged with 106 counts, including promotion of prostitution, engaging in prostitution, invasion of privacy, conspiracy, tax offenses and receiving welfare benefits when ineligible. She has pleaded not guilty.
The other key defendant in the case, Mark Strong Sr., 57, a businessman from Thomaston, has been indicted on 59 misdemeanor charges of promotion of prostitution, violation of privacy and conspiracy to commit those crimes. Police say he acted as Wright’s co-conspirator. He also has pleaded not guilty.
Staff Writer Scott Dolan can be contacted at 791-6304 or at:
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