PHOENIX – from www.myfoxphoenix.com – – He was convicted of operating a prostitution house, money laundering and illegal control of an enterprise, making big money and living the good life.
But during sentencing Wednesday, Paul Nichta broke down, saying he’s fully of regrets, especially where his family is concerned.
“I’ve had to undo, and man you don’t know to stand in front of a 14-year-old boy and beg for forgiveness and have to do everything you can to earn their trust again. You know I’m prepared to take whatever the court’s going to give me.”
Nichta was sentenced to 2 and a half years in prison. Nichta is one of 54 people charged in a Paradise Valley prostitution ring.
from www.azcentral.com – A man who ran a high-end Valley prostitution ring was sentenced to 2 ½ years in prison Wednesday in Maricopa County Superior Court.
Paul Nichta, 34, was originally charged with 13 counts, including pandering and receiving earnings from prostitution.
In April, he pleaded guilty to illegal control of an enterprise, money laundering and use of a wire or electronic communication. Judge Roland Steinle also imposed seven years of probation and a $150,000 fine.
In court Wednesday, Phoenix police Detective Christi Bill said Nichta ran Desert Divas from 2002 until he was arrested in 2008. The business brought in about $250,000 a month, and Nichta lived a life of big houses and fancy cars.
According to Bill and court records, Desert Divas began as a legitimate escort service and devolved into prostitution. Clients would view videos of the women and then book their liaisons. Its websites were linked to a site that provided “reviews” of the prostitutes’ skills, and the company would even hold parties in which clients could meet the prostitutes.
Court records say the average fee was $375 per hour, of which $120 went to Desert Divas.
According to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office, 93 defendants were named in indictments; 88 have already pleaded guilty; three cases are pending; and two defendants have not yet been arrested.
Last year, the company’s accountant was sentenced to three years in prison.