PHOENIX — Authorities say six key players in a widespread prostitution operation that was centered in the Phoenix area and used the Internet to set up dates have pleaded guilty in the case.
The Maricopa County Attorney's Office says Desert Divas ringleader and owner Paul Nichta acknowledged that his business was a criminal prostitution enterprise when he pleaded guilty to illegal control of an enterprise and other charges.
Also pleading guilty were the ring's part-owner and photographer, three managers and an accountant for the operation.
Authorities say Nichta and his associates face up to two years in prison when they are sentenced.
The Phoenix police investigation into the Desert Divas sex ring also led to the arrests of three "VIP customers" who pleaded guilty to felonies this week and face sentencing next month.
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The ring, which reportedly was making about $250,000 per month, had ties to New Mexico and Pennsylvania. It was busted last August by Phoenix police and the Maricopa County Attorney's Office.
