Zumba instructor is a great mom, friend says

Topics: From the Wires,

Zumba instructor is a great mom, friend saysFILE - In this Oct. 9, 2012 file photo, Alexis Wright, 29, turns towards her attorney Sarah Churchill, left, during her arraignment in Portland, Maine on 109 counts of prostitution, violation of privacy, tax evasion and other charges for allegedly providing sex for money at her Kennebunk fitness studio and office. Some who know Wright say she’s the last person they thought would get caught up in a headline-grabbing scandal. (AP Photo/Joel Page, File) (Credit: AP)

KENNEBUNK, Maine (AP) — People who know the dance instructor accused of turning her Zumba studio into a brothel in Kennebunk, Maine, say there’s more to her than the criminal charges.

They describe Alexis Wright as an honors student who attended college and ran dance classes for the local parks and recreation program. She also hosted charity events benefiting Toys for Tots and breast cancer research.

For residents in Kennebunk, the criminal case has been evolving in slow motion, with police releasing more names of accused clients every two weeks.

Wright, who’s 29, has pleaded not guilty to more than 100 counts including prostitution and invasion of privacy. Her business partner, insurance agent Mark Strong Sr., has pleaded not guilty to more than 50 misdemeanor counts.

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