UPDATE

Couple in charge of prostitution ring sentenced

Posted: Feb 1, 2012 1:22 PM by Q2 Staff
Updated: Feb 1, 2012 3:19 PM

BILLINGS - The couple in charge of a prostitution ring in Billings faced joint sentencing today in federal court-and now face a 13 month sentence in federal prison.

The sentence came despite passionate argument from the defendants that incarceration would be punishment for "punishment's sake."

Gregory and Myong Suk McFarland pleaded guilty last August to crimes of promoting interstate prostitution and money laundering.

The McFarland's previously owned The Far West Sauna on Mullowney Lane and the Shangri-la Spa on Bernard Street.

Both of those businesses were investigated and busted for prostitution during a 5 year investigation by the Billings Police Department.

The afternoon sentencing in U.S. District Judge Richard Cebull's courtroom took nearly an hour as the defense argued the couple should not face incarceration because the couple cares for Susie's elderly mother and both lack a previous criminal history.

More details to follow here on ktvq.com and on our 5:30 and 10 pm newscasts.