Billings Massage Parlor Operator Sentenced to Prison

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — A Billings massage parlor operator who pleaded guilty to bringing a woman to Montana to become a sex worker has been sentenced to two years in federal prison.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office says 62-year-old Scot Donald Petrie was sentenced Thursday in a plea agreement that called for three other charges to be dismissed.

U.S. District Judge Dana Christensen said Petrie made a living exploiting women, but he declined to order restitution sought by prosecutors on behalf of seven women who worked at the massage parlors.

Christensen said the women “knew full well” they’d be involved in prostitution and he declined to step into the role “of collection agency for sex workers.”

Defense attorney Steven Babcock argued for a probationary sentence and noted none of the women submitted a claim for restitution.

U.S. District Judge Dana Christensen said Petrie made a living exploiting women, but he declined to order restitution sought by prosecutors on behalf of seven women who worked at the massage parlors.

Christensen said the women “knew full well” they’d be involved in prostitution and he declined to step into the role “of collection agency for sex workers.”

Defense attorney Steven Babcock argued for a probationary sentence and noted none of the women submitted a claim for restitution.