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Man charged with running prostitution ring at two Billings massage spas

Posted at 9:19 AM, Apr 17, 2019
and last updated 2019-04-17 11:19:34-04

A Billings man is facing federal charges for using two Billings massage parlors as fronts for prostitution.

According to court documents, Scott Donald Petrie was part of a conspiracy to encourage others to travel from outside of Montana to Billings for the purpose of commercial sexual activity.

The documents state Petrie and others used King Spa and A Spa in Billings as a place for prostitution and provide half the money for members of the conspiracy.

On June 14, 2014, Petrie placed an advertisement on Backpage.com, according to charging documents dated March 21.

In February 2016, Petrie purchased bulk condoms from Condom Depot for delivery to an address associated with him.

In September 2018, Petrie had discussions with a woman to encourage her to travel to Montana to engage in commercial sex, the documents state.

Four months later, in January 2019, Petrie used his debit card to buy a bus ticket for someone to travel to Montana with the purpose of engaging in commercial sex.

In the same month, Petrie brought an individual from Billings Logan International Airport to King Spa to work as a prostitute. Prosecutors allege he also assisted another person in reopening King Spa for the purpose of having individuals engage in commercial sex in January 2019.

Petrie was charged with four counts related to the prostitution ring, including conspiracy, coercion and enticement and transportation of a person with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity.

If convicted on all counts, he would serve up to 35 years in prison, $750,000 in fines, five years to lifetime supervised release and $10,000 in special assessments.

-Reported by Zoe Zandora/MTN News