Shalimar, Florida- A judge rejected an escort service operator’s claim that he was an innocent businessman who had been hoodwinked by deceitful women and sentenced him to 60 years in prison–three times more than the state sought– for sex–and drug–related crimes.

Russell Neal, the owner of Pleasuregirls, continued to deny the allegations, although a jury last month found him guilty of eight charges, including running a prostitution ring, procuring an underage employee, inducing and promoting a sexual performance involving the girl, having sex with her and drug possession.

The 47 year-old man read from a lengthy handwritten statement before Circuit judge Thomas Remmington sentenced him to four consecutive 15-year prison terms and four concurrent sentences ranging from six months to five years. Defense lawyer Michael Weinstock plans to appeal, saying the facts “don not justify such a harsh sentence.”

Neal decided that Pleasuregirls hired an underaged girl and claimed his ex-girlfriend and former business partner, Lynn Makara, and their employees falsely accused him because they wanted him out of the business.

“An agency’s job is to make these girls wanted,” he said. “I followed the letter of the law which is difficult enough when you work for and with professional liars.”