Portsmouth Pimp Psychologist Sentenced

A former psychologist pleaded guilty Friday to running a prostitution operation out of his Sagamore Court apartment.

Alexander Marino was fined $350 and sentenced to a year in jail during a hearing at Portsmouth District Court. The jail sentence was suspended pending good behavior.

He had been charged with prostitution and marijuana possession.

His attorney, John Driscoll, said Marino was not the leader of the prostitution operation.

"He is not the pimp. He is not the player," Driscoll said. "(But) he is willing to accept guilt."

Marino was arrested last year after maintenance staff at his apartment contacted police, saying they saw women in skimpy clothing leaving the apartment with men who didn't live there, according to court documents.

In August 2012, police approached the apartment and said they smelled marijuana. A man ran then ran out holding a condom, police said.

Police said they found marijuana, two bongs, $600 in cash, baby oil, ledgers, and a camera in the apartment.

After he was charged, Marino's psychology license suspended. He had operated a practice on Front Street in Exeter.