A former assistant Hennepin County attorney has been disbarred for running a prostitution ring.

John Paul St. Marie, 66, was charged in July with six felony counts of promoting prostitution. He admitted to the allegations in the disbarment petition and agreed to stop practicing law.

According to the criminal complaint filed in Ramsey County District Court, St. Marie operated a Web site through which he advertised prostitution services. He set up appointments for women prostitutes with men he called “nice guys” who he said were safe and would pay well.

The Minneapolis Police Department began investigating St. Marie in July 2008 after receiving information from an informant who had previously patronized the prostitution services promoted by him.

In May 2009, investigators set up surveillance equipment that recorded the arrival of three patrons at the Minneapolis Hotel, according to the complaint. The patrons admitted that they were there to hire a female for prostitution and said that St. Marie had arranged the appointment.

The Minnesota Office of Lawyers Professional Responsibility announced the disbarment on Monday.

According to the Associated Press, St. Marie had worked on civil commitments before leaving the Hennepin County Attorney's office a few years ago. He cited health reasons for his departure.