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UGA professor in prostitution bust keeps job

ATHENS, Ga. — The University of Georgia has agreed not to fire a professor charged in a prostitution bust, as long has he retires by the end of next year’s spring semester, school officials said.

Max Reinhart, a tenured professor, who taught German, has agreed not to sue the university and leave the campus May 10, 2013, as long as he’s not terminated. Officials said he will not teach any more classes, but will work on research and other duties.

The 65-year-old was booked into Gwinnett County jail earlier this month. He is charged with prostitution. Reinhart was also charged with running a house of prostitution because investigators said he was soliciting people for himself.

Gwinnett police said detectives found an ad in the transsexual escort services section of a website under the name "Sasha." Detectives arranged a meeting and came to an agreement with Reinhart for payment of "services," police said.

Channel 2 Action News crews went to Reinhart’s home on June 8, when he said he regretted his actions.

"I'm embarrassed. I'm feeling very stupid," Reinhart said. "I am deeply remorseful for anything I may have done to bring any kind of doubt to the integrity of the university and myself."

Reinhart would not get into the details of what happened in the sting, but said there is more to it.
"This charge is not exactly what it appears, OK. I can only say that," Reinhart said.

Jail records show he has since been released on $4,800 bond.

Reinhart’s next court appearance has not been scheduled.