The coastal Maine town of Kennebunk has been rocked by an alleged prostitution operation at the Pura Vida Zumba studio. Charges were brought against Alexis Wright of Wells and Mark Strong of Thomaston in a case that has gained national media attention. A list of 150 "johns," including some prominent names, has kept residents talking and the case in the headlines.
Defense: Verdicts in Zumba trial not valid March 18, 2013 Lawyers for Mark Strong Sr. says prosecutors never spelled out specifically how Strong's actions promoted prostitution.
Prosecution rests case in Zumba trial March 4, 2013 In a surprise move, the state wraps up its testimony without calling any convicted "johns" to the witness stand.
What's a 'pimp'? Question at core of Zumba trial March 2, 2013 Meanwhile, a Kennebunk police officer testifies Mark Strong is the man speaking to Alexis Wright in videos of her trading sex for money.
Jurors see sex videos in Zumba trial February 28, 2013 Prosecutors show evidence suggesting that Mark Strong watched Alexis Wright have paid sex with her clients.
Evidence complaint rejected in Zumba case February 26, 2013 Meanwhile, the judge and lawyers review pornographic videos to determine which ones should be allowed into evidence.
'Very sexual' photos at issue in Zumba case February 25, 2013 The prosecution says the photos are proof of prostitution, but Mark Strong's lawyers say they are too 'prejudicial' to show in court.
Strong was smitten lover, not 'pimp,' lawyer says February 20, 2013 During opening statements of the Kennebunk prostitution trial, Strong's lawyer says his client fell in love with Alexis Wright and tried to help her, but was not her "pimp," as police allege.
Dismissal of 46 counts upheld in prostitution case February 15, 2013 The state's high court agrees to throw out invasion-of-privacy charges against Mark Strong Sr. for allegedly taping sexual encounters involving prostitution clients.
Alexis Wright's lawyer seeks to aid co-defendant in Zumba trial February 4, 2013 Prosecutors want 46 invasion-of-privacy counts reinstated against Mark Strong for videotapes of alleged prostitution clients, but Wright's lawyer says the clients had no expectation of privacy.
In tumult of Zumba trial, judge provides firm hand January 29, 2013 Justice Nancy Mills brings her reputation for being tough and fair to a prostitution case complicated by legal skirmishes and media scrutiny.
Appeal has Zumba trial in limbo January 28, 2013 The dismissal of 46 counts against Mark Strong led to an appeal on Friday, with no date set for a restart.
Prostitution trial judge dismisses 46 of 59 counts January 25, 2013 Prosecutors immediately appeal the decision by Justice Nancy Mills, and the trial against defendant Mark Strong Sr. in the Kennebunk case grinds to a halt.
Zumba judge: Won't reconsider decision to exclude media January 24, 2013 Justice Nancy Mills spoke from the bench briefly Thursday morning after an attorney for the Portland Press Herald appeared to argue that the jury selection process should be opened.
Strong's defense has 12 witnesses on list January 23, 2013 Separate from the trial in Alfred, two men admit to engaging a prostitute and 11 others plead not guilty.
Can Kennebunk prostitution suspects get fair trial? January 21, 2013 With jury selection set to start Tuesday in the trial of Mark Strong Sr., one attorney says, "I don't think you could (find) an impartial jury on Mars."
Zumba case lawyer to argue illegal search December 11, 2012 The attorney for Mark Strong says officials also have not disclosed everything found in searches in the high-profile prostitution case.
Evidence files given to Zumba teacher's lawyer November 27, 2012 Kennebunk police also release the names of four more of Alexis Wright's alleged clients in the high-profile prostitution case.
Lawyers want separate trials in Zumba case November 13, 2012 Daniel Lilley, Mark Strong's attorney, says his client should be tried separately from Alexis Wright, who faces more serious charges.
Prostitution case invites legal scrutiny November 8, 2012 Some observers question the deliberate pace in the prosecution of the Kennebunk case, but experts say it may be an effort to keep it from ‘spinning out of control.
Defense asks for new judge in Kennebunk prostitution case September 12, 2012 A prosecutor's husband is the judge's law clerk, which could result in bias or the appearance of bias, according to Daniel Lilley, the lawyer for Mark Strong.
New judge assigned to Kennebunk prostitution case September 24, 2012 Justice Nancy Mills is the second judge to preside over the high-profile case of Mark Strong, a well-known businessman accused of promoting a Maine prostitution operation.
Judge in Kennebunk prostitution case recuses herself September 21, 2012 Justice Joyce Wheeler's decision comes a week after she had declined to recuse herself, although it's not clear why she changed her mind.
Newspapers fight gag order in Kennebunk prostitution case September 28, 2012 Prosecutors have asked for a ban on any dissemination of information in the case, but two newspapers argue a lack of transparency hurts public confidence in the system.
Alexis Wright indicted in Kennebunk prostitution case October 3, 2012 She faces charges of prostitution, tax evasion and invasion of privacy, and a prosecutor says the number of people charged in the case is likely to grow.
Child porn assertion has suspect crying foul October 10, 2012 Mark Strong's attorney says prosecutors ought to be sanctioned if they can't back up comments made in a prostitution case.
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