Owner of call-girl service sentenced to 2 years

Sallie Saxon, who made millions of dollars operating a high-priced prostitution ring in Charlotte, was sentenced this morning to two years in prison.

U.S. District Court Judge Frank Whitney ordered Saxon to be taken into custody and to begin serving her sentence immediately.

"Oh no, oh no, your honor!" Saxon said after hearing the sentencing. Then she began crying.

Turning to her family and friends who crowded the courtroom, she said, "I'm sorry."

Her husband, Donald Saxon, broke down sobbing.

He and Taylorsville photographer Glenn Fox also are scheduled to be sentenced today. They also pleaded guilty to their roles in the prostitution ring.

Saxon, who ran the call-girl service from her home in southeast Charlotte and had more than 500 clients, had faced up to four years in prison.

But prosecutors and Saxon cut a deal: She'd plead guilty to conspiring to entice women to cross state lines to engage in prostitution and agree to cooperate with the government's continuing investigation. In exchange, prosecutors agreed to recommend a two-year sentence if Saxon provided substantial assistance in the investigation.

Federal prosecutors have filed a motion to reduce Saxon's sentence based on her cooperation. The court document has been sealed. Neither Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Cullen nor defense attorney Melissa Owen would talk about the motion.

Owen said she and co-counsel Noell Tin would seek a reduced sentence for Saxon.

"My client has cooperated with authorities consistent with our plea agreement," Owen told the Observer. "And we'll be asking for a sentence of 24 months."

Two businessmen, one from Charlotte and one from the Raleigh area, have pleaded guilty in connection with Saxon's prostitution ring.

Saxon, 58, made $3 million arranging high-priced call-girls for clients. She charged "johns" as much as $700 an hour for her prostitutes.

Saxon's prostitutes used hotels in the SouthPark and uptown areas. One told authorities she made about $160,000 in 2006.

Donald Saxon, 53, faces 27 months to 33 months in prison. But prosecutors also have filed a motion to reduce his sentence for cooperation.

Fox, 58, faces from 15 months to 21 months in prison.