Jan. 6--Charlotte businessman Skipper Beck, who owns one of North Carolina's leading Mercedes-Benz dealerships, has been charged with soliciting prostitution -- the latest alleged "john" charged in connection with a high-priced call-girl ring called HushHush.

Beck, 48, has been ordered to appear in state court on Feb. 6. The solicitation charge is a misdemeanor and carries a maximum punishment of 60 days in jail.

Sheriff's deputies served legal papers on Beck at his home Monday afternoon, a spokeswoman for the sheriff's office told the Observer.

An affidavit alleges that on Oct. 19, 2007, Beck contacted Sallie Saxon, the madam of the prostitution ring now serving prison time, to ask for a prostitute.

Beck went to a local hotel and met with a known prostitute, according to the affidavit.

Beck's attorney James Wyatt said Tuesday: "Skipper has been charged with a misdemeanor offense. He takes full responsibility for his conduct and deeply appreciates the support of his family, friends and business associates."

Beck last February made a deal to sell Beck Imports -- founded by his father, Bill Beck, in 1967 -- to Sonic Automotive, an auto retailer run by speedway owner Bruton Smith. The deal has been blocked, however, by Mercedes-Benz USA, which wants Sonic to fix problems at some of its other Mercedes-Benz dealerships.

Three "johns" have pleaded guilty in federal court in connection with the prostitution ring. Saxon, her husband and a photographer also pleaded guilty for their roles in operation.

HushHush was an Internet-based ring that used hotels in the SouthPark and uptown areas. Saxon charged clients up to $700 an hour.

She made some $3 million selling sex to the city's civic and business elite, and had lists of more than 500 clients.

-----

To see more of The Charlotte Observer, or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.charlotteobserver.com.

Copyright (c) 2009, The Charlotte Observer, N.C.

Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.

For reprints, email tmsreprints@permissionsgroup.com, call 800-374-7985 or 847-635-6550, send a fax to 847-635-6968, or write to The Permissions Group Inc., 1247 Milwaukee Ave., Suite 303, Glenview, IL 60025, USA.

NYSE:DCX, NYSE:SAH,

A service of YellowBrix, Inc.