American tour operator in Phl convicted in prostitution sting

WHITE PLAINS, New York (AP) — A U.S. man who runs a travel company specializing in trips to Thailand and the Philippines has been convicted of promoting prostitution.

The Westchester County district attorney announced the conviction Monday of Douglas Allen, the owner of Big Apple Oriental Tours.

In 2010, an online investigator pretended that he wanted to use the company to go overseas and have sex for money. Prosecutors say he paid Allen $2,500.

They say Allen told the investigator he would be taken to Angeles City in the Philippines, where he could negotiate at bars for sexual acts.

District Attorney Janet DiFiore says the defendant faces a maximum of two and one-third to seven years in prison. Sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 15.