Kennebunk police release 18 additional names of prostitution clients
Kennebunk — The Kennebunk Police Department has released an additional 18 names of so-called "johns," or male clients of prostitution in the ring involving a Thomaston insurance man and a Wells Zumba instructor.
The list was released as part of the department's Friday Oct. 26 police log.
Two weeks ago, the department released 21 names for engaging in prostitution.
The total now reaches 39 men who were seeking the services of a prostitute.
Police say those who are charged used the services of Alexis Wright, 29, of Wells. Wright is charged with operating a prostitution business out of her Pura Vida Studio and an office space on High Street in Kennebunk, the former home of the York County Coast Star, when it was an independent weekly newspaper in the 1960s and 1970s. The alleged client list may contain more than 100 names and police say they will be releasing groups of names as alleged clients are given summonses on alternate Fridays.
Wright was indicted by the York County grand jury on 106 counts, including charges of engaging in prostitution, violation of privacy, and tax-evasion.
Thomaston insurance broker Mark Strong Sr., 57, of Thomaston, was indicted on 59 counts of promotion of prostitution, invasion of privacy, and conspiracy in the case.
Both pleaded not guilty in Maine Superior Court in Cumberland County.
Lt. Anthony J. Bean Burpee, Professional Standards and C.I.D. Commander for the Kennebunk Police, said the investigation is on going and more charges are expected.
The following men have been charged with engaging a prostitute and are expected to appear in Biddeford District Court: The men's ages range from 29 to 66. One is in his 20s, two are in their 30s, six are in their 40s, six are in their 50s, and three are in their 60s.
Jason Rickett, 29, of Gorham, was charged Oct. 12 and told to appear in court Dec. 5.
Dennis Sillon, 54, of Shapleigh, was charged Oct. 12 and told to appear in court Dec. 19.
Michael Dente, 33, of Saco, was charged Oct. 15 and told to appear in Biddeford District Court Dec. 5.
Matthew Scott, 48, of Auburn, was charged Oct. 16 and told to appear in court Dec. 19.
Matthew Dichard, 44, of Glenburn, was charged Oct. 17 and told to appear in court Dec. 19.
Patrick Heelan, 56, of Scarborough, was charged Oct. 18 and told to appear in court Dec. 19.
Nathaniel Thompson, 53, of Scarborough,was charged Oct. 18 and told to appear in court Dec. 19.
Albert Tremblay, 46, of Hudson, N.H., was charged Oct. 22 and told to appear in court Dec. 19.
Kris Kamys, 65, of Hiram, was charged Oct. 22 and told to appear in court Dec. 19.
Robert Chabot, 66, of Saco, was charged Oct. 22 and told to appear in court Dec. 19.
Neil McDonald, 58, of Scarborough, was charged Oct. 23 and told to appear in court Dec. 19.
Steven Houghton, 43, of South Berwick, was charged Oct. 24 and told to appear Dec. 19.
Frank Parker, 61, of Freeport, was charged Oct. 24 and told to appear in Court Dec. 19.
Michael Wears, 52, of Sanford, was charged Oct. 24 and told to appear Dec. 19.
Jason Nadeau, 38, of Scarborough, was charged Oct. 25 and told to appear Jan. 23.
Joseph Lewis, 49, of Portland, was charged Oct. 25 and told to appear Dec. 19.
Donald Fortin, 59, of Turner, was charged Oct. 25 and told to appear Dec. 19.
Lawrence Ritchie, 48, of Deerfield, N.H., was charged Oct. 25 and told to appear Jan. 23.



























