Hey, it’s a tough economy out there: veteran New Hampshire sportswriter busted for being a pimp

Hey, we all need a way to make a little extra cash now and then. Some of us mow lawns, some of us tend bars, and some of us spend our weekends making snarky blogposts for the enjoyment of others. Kevin Provenchal (not pictured), who spent 23 years covering sports for the New Hampshire Union leader (that must have been a lot of stories about squash) had a better idea…or so he thought. Provenchal decided he was just going to run your average Craig’s List-based prostitution ring side-business. Industrious, but also highly illegal, and not the best decision in terms of keeping his day job, or you know, his freedom.

Massachusetts prosecutors say Kevin Provencher was sentenced to 1 to 2 1/2 years after pleading guilty Friday in Salem Superior Court to deriving support from a prostitute, procuring a person into prostitution, solicitation for prostitution and witness intimidation.

Prosecutors say the 52-year Provencher, of Manchester, N.H., advertised prostitution services on Craigslist and other websites. They say he rented a hotel room in Andover, Mass., and locations in New Hampshire where the women would have sex for hire.

Classy! 1 to 2-and-a-half years is no joke. There may not even be a newspaper industry by the time he’s let out.

However, in a lucky break for Provencher, he’s likely to find some more work in his industry behind the walls of the state penitentiary, though he may find the job openings aren’t exactly the ones he wants.

Like I said, tough economy out there.

***

NH sports reporter jailed for prostitution ring [Associated Press]