Light slap for ‘brothel’ CEO
A Brooklyn judge handed the founder and CEO of Rentboy a six-month prison sentence Wednesday — with the conflicted jurist saying she was convinced that he built what was once the largest gay-escort site “for a good purpose.”
“I struggled with sentencing of this case,” Brooklyn federal Justice Margo Brodie told Jeffrey Hurant. “It kept me up at night.”
She added, “I am convinced you started this site for a good purpose.”
The judge also said that in considering a penalty, she relied on the deluge of letters that had been sub- mitted in support of Hurant, 52.
“There is no doubt in my mind, based on everything that has been said, that you will continue to be a productive member of society,” she told him.
Hurant told the packed courtroom, “I never in- tended to hurt anyone. I’m very sorry if I ever put anyone in harm’s way. I want to apologize to everyone I hurt.”
Hurant had initially faced up to 20 years behind bars on charges of promoting prostitution and conspiracy to commit money laundering.
He pleaded guilty last October, admitting to operating an online brothel and knowingly letting escorts pay for ads that touted sexual services.
“We must fearlessly fight for the rights for consensual adults to choose what they do with their bodies,” Hurant said after sentencing, hugging some 30 friends and family members.