One of the ringleaders in the largest prostitution bust in Arizona history will spend three years in prison for his role in the Internet-based prostitution operation. Peter Shifman, 57, of Gilbert, who was the accountant for the Desert Divas Escort Services, was sentenced Thursday in Maricopa County Superior Court to three years of prison and seven years of probation, and ordered to pay a $100,000 fine.
Sheriff's worker linked to prostitution ring
One of the ringleaders in the largest prostitution bust in Arizona history will spend three years in prison for his role in the Internet-based prostitution operation.
Peter Shifman, 57, of Gilbert, who was the accountant for the Desert Divas Escort Services, was sentenced Thursday in Maricopa County Superior Court to three years of prison and seven years of probation, and ordered to pay a $100,000 fine, according to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office.
19 more arrested in prostitution bust
Sheriff's worker linked to prostitution ring
Shifman, who entered into a plea agreement on April 15, pleaded guilty to money laundering, illegal control of an enterprise and the use of a wire or electronic communication in facilitating the crimes, for his involvement in the Desert Divas probe investigated by the Phoenix Police Department.
More than 100 prostitutes — some still living at home with their parents — were involved, and some worked for escort services such as Desert Divas LLC, Night Partners Entertainment, NPE Management Services, Hips Touring LLC, Escorts in Action, AZ Confidential and Desert Divas in New Mexico, according to police.
The business generated $250,000 a month in revenue, according to Phoenix police.
