When you can’t trust an escort, who can you trust? Read the sad story at Montana’s News Station…

Woman to be sentenced for blackmailing Bozeman developer

A woman who pleaded guilty to blackmailing a prominent Bozeman developer over an alleged prostitution ring under investigation by the FBI is scheduled for sentencing this week.

Shannon Clark, 36, of Bozeman told U.S. District Judge Justin Quackenbush that she had an affair with William Martel for four years, during which time he was financially generous, helping her pay rent and other bills. After Martel ended the relationship in June 2008, Clark threatened to tell the FBI about the money and sex unless he gave her $10,000 a month for six months.

Clark faces up to a year in prison, an additional year of supervision and up to $100,000 in fines when she is sentenced on September 17.

Clark’s attorney, Morgan Modine of Missoula, is seeking a probationary sentence, saying a friend of Clark’s who was working with the FBI encouraged Clark to ask Martel for money. That friend was also reportedly involved with Martel intimately after he broke off the affair with Clark.

Martel has never been charged. Federal officials would not say if the investigation into the prostitution ring continues.