PHOENIX -- The Valley man who confessed to running a massive prostitution ring was sentenced Wednesday to 2 1/2 years in prison, seven years probation and restitution in the amount of $276,000.

Paul Nichta is one of 54 people arrested in the Desert Divas case that implicated big names in several states. Nichta was sentenced by Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Roland Steinle.

As part of his guilty plea, Nichta acknowledged that his operation was a prostitution business. He was originally scheduled to be sentenced June 25, 2009.

Phoenix police shut down the high-dollar call-girl operation in 2008 after a five-month investigation. Out of more than 50 arrests, officers detained about a dozen men and women they said were key players in the business.

Since then, police investigators and the Maricopa County Attorney's Office have indicted and arrested almost 100 suspects who are members of the organization, said Sgt. Andy Hill of the Phoenix Police Department.

All of the leaders of the organization have pleaded guilty to charges.

Among the evidence investigators confiscated were the lists of clients. Authorities also seized three residences, eight vehicles -- including a Ferrari 43C CP -- and one motorcycle.

They also found six rifles, 12 handguns and two silencers at one of the ringleaders' residence, police said.

It is believed to be the largest prostitution bust in Arizona history.

Police documents have revealed that the "johns" generally paid a $375 all-inclusive rate, and if the escorts showed up late, they had to pay a fine.

According to investigators, the criminal enterprise was making bank deposits totaling $250,000 a month.

Hell yeah! I finally know what a "high-dollar" call is: $375 hr. Of course they did $350, $325, maybe a little less here and there. AND... you got 70 minutes... RIGHT?

That's for the guys with money, right? Traveling business men, professional, politicians. you know VIPs!

So what would a plain, ol' everyday call girl be charging to the average working stiff? $200 hr?

What about a low rent gal? $100 hr?

Don't you just love the media!

haha This morning when I read about it on Azcentral I had to comment on the fact that it was not high end. I only received one thumb down. Probably a first and only time that will happen lol

your rates are reasonable, does not mean you are not 'high-end'. Maybe you could consider yourself a Philanthropic Elite Provider.

Seeming how the definition of high end is something of superior quality and high in price. Thats not what I think the news should be calling high end escort agency. Idk my idea of high end escorting the in the valley would be SweetSarah....

Highlighting the conflict.... giving out my rank name and serial number to get an appointment... "client list"....