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Kalispell Woman Pleads Guilty in Dancing Scam

By Beacon Staff

MISSOULA – A Kalispell woman pleaded guilty Thursday to wire fraud in charges related to the exotic dancing business she ran from her home.

The U.S. attorney’s office says that Gwen Gardner, 40, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Sentencing is set for October.

Authorities say Gardner ran advertisements in the Seattle area for a dancing service, and would field calls at her Kalispell home while arranging for dancers to meet customers.

Customers were routinely subjected to a “cash and dash” where dancers hired by Gardner would take money and run off without dancing. The dancers would later deposit a portion of the proceeds, often $100, into Gardner’s account.

The U.S. attorney says Gardner faces five years in prison.