ALFRED (AP) — The lawyer for a Thomaston insurance agent accused of promoting prostitution in Kennebunk has failed to get the judge removed and the charges dismissed.

Defense lawyer Daniel Lilley questioned how 57-year-old Mark Strong Sr. could be charged with promoting prostitution if no one had been charged with acts of prostitution. He also sought removal of the judge because of potential conflict.

The Portland Press Herald said the judge denied the motions on Friday.

The case unfolded after police received tips about men coming and going from a zumba dance studio.

Strong was arrested in July after being connected to the business. Lilley says Strong, a private investigator, was hired to investigate alleged police harassment and that he invested money in what he thought was a legal business.