The owner of an Maine escort service was ordered Friday to be held without bail on suspicion of threatening a customer. Police say they learned of the threat from a relative of the man who employed the service, as well as one of the customers. The owners were taken into custody early Saturday morning while they were at lunch with their families. Authorities say they had been served papers for their arrest warrant. Their attorney has not yet entered a plea.
The grand jury that is investigating the case of the Portland Maine escort service owners had ordered them temporarily held without bail. A judge set their bail at about $100,000 each on Friday afternoon. They are expected to appear in court on Monday to face the judge. If they post bond, it will also cover their criminal charges.
Portland police is investigating
Police in Portland say they are looking for two other suspects in connection with an alleged extortion charge that is linked to the running of a prostitution ring in Portland’s Short Hills neighborhood. Authorities say they have identified and charged a person they believe is the link between the owners of the escort service and the suspect in the case. The alleged extortionist made threats through the internet and phone against witnesses that would help in their case, authorities said. The two suspects are described as men in their mid-to-late 30s. They are both employed by the same Maine escort service business.
This is what prostitution does
The prostitution charges filed against the owners of the Portland escort service came as a surprise to the city. Police Chief Charlie Cox said he had not heard of such a thing happening in his eight years as chief. He also said he didn’t know whether the owners would face any charges in connection with the extortion charge. He did tell Fox News that all three men are cooperating with authorities.
Investigation around Maine escort service is ongoing
The arrests come just days after the service began offering trips to Maine for traveling weddings, a special event like a birthday party or an anniversary. The three were ordered to appear in court on Tuesday. None of the three has a criminal record, according to the Maine attorney general’s office. However, the attorney general’s office said in a news release that one of the suspects may have used his real name when booking the Maine escort service. Authorities have learned that this isn’t uncommon, and they encourage other agencies and businesses to check background information on their drivers before letting them take people to Maine.
The investigation is continuing, and police are asking anyone who hasn’t hired the Maine escort service and knows the driver of any clients booked through them to call them and get more information. Anyone with more information that can help with their case is urged to contact detectives with the Maine State Troopers at Fortatham Station. With a valid driver’s license from another state are also encouraged to contact authorities. Anyone with information that can assist in their case should contact the Maine State Troopers at Fort Bonning Road in Augusta. They can be reached by phone Friday through their website.