KENNEBUNK, Maine (WHDH)– Zumba instructor, Alexis Wright made an emotional address to a Maine courtroom Friday, before learning she will spend the next ten months behind bars for prostitution and tax evasion.
“Ten months? That's all? Oh give me a break,” said concerned resident, Judy Dershiemer.
The 30-year-old said she felt relieved when police raided her fitness studio in February 2012 because she wanted out. Prosecutors said the paid sex happened in several places including the studio where she secretly videotaped clients. Clients that included a lawyer, a minister and a high school hockey coach.
“I live right over here a couple of blocks away. I was shocked to hear it. I really was. A lot of other people were shocked too,” said another concerned resident, John Courtney.
Her business partner was convicted earlier this year on charges of promoting prostitution. He was sentenced to 20 days behind bars. As for Wright, police found ledgers indicating she made $150,000 tax free during an 18 month period while she was collecting welfare.
She cried as she talked about having to leave her husband and son but says in her eyes she is now free. Residents in the small picturesque town hoping the sentencing can bring closure to the scandal that rocked their community.
The Zumba studio has since reopened under new ownership. Aside from ten months behind bars, Wright has been ordered by the judge to pay $60,000.