Kennebunk Zumba Instructor Pleads Guilty to Prostitution

A former dance fitness instructor who used her studio in Kennebunk, Maine as a front for prostitution and videotaped her encounters with over 100 clients has pleaded guilty to 20 misdemeanor counts.

30-year-old Alexis Wright admitted to the prostitution and conspiracy charges Friday in Cumberland County Superior Court. She also pleaded guilty to theft for accepting state welfare assistance and to tax evasion.

The scandal in the quiet coastal town of Kennebunk set off a media frenzy last October when local police began releasing the names of men who were Wright's clients.

Prosecutors had initially charged Wright with more than 100 violations. She faces up to 10 months in jail and will be sentenced in May 31st. She is free on bail until then.

By pleading guilty, Wright avoids a trial in which jurors would have viewed video footage of sex acts with men that she secretly recorded.

Wright's partner, 57-year-old Mark Strong, Sr. was convicted earlier this month of helping her run the prostitution business.  He was sentenced to 20 days in the York County Jail and is set to be released early for good behavior.