CEDAR HILLS -- A Cedar Hills couple charged with running a prostitution business out of their home pleaded guilty Tuesday to reduced charges.

Jeffrey Jenks pleaded guilty to attempted pattern of unlawful activity, a third-degree felony, and two counts of aiding a prostitute, a class B misdemeanor. His wife, Lorraine Jenks, pleaded to unlawful massage therapy, a class A misdemeanor, and two counts of prostitution, a class B misdemeanor. The couple will be sentenced April 28.

The Jenkses were originally both charged with second-degree felony counts of a pattern of unlawful activity and money laundering, as well as the class B misdemeanors. Their attorney, Greg Skordas, said the plea deal reflects the couple's lack of criminal history and the prosecutor's understanding of the circumstances.

"I think the county attorney's office recognized it for what it was -- a terrible lapse in judgement," he said.

The couple were arrested in December after concerned neighbors contacted police about what they believed was suspicious activity at the home. A police investigation found the couple advertised their services on social networking sites, and a call placed to the number listed was answered by a person at the business who advised that services would include a massage and sexual services for money.

According to a police affidavit, a person went to the home for a supposed services and Lorraine Jenks opened the door, repeating to the customer that a sexual favor would be offered for money. She also allegedly allowed a client to perform sex acts on her for money.

Investigators said Jeffrey Jenks was involved in the business as well, setting up the Web site advertisements and taking money from the customers. He also allegedly enforced the payments when customers did not want to pay full price.

Police believed both husband and wife agreed to engage in the activity and to continue it. American Fork police said a client was in the home when police arrived, and police were advised that the client received the same sexual services. According to the affidavit, the Jenkses ran the business for months, charging hundreds of dollars for the services.

Skordas said the charges have been embarrassing for the Jenkses, and it has been difficult for them as they continued living in their Cedar Hills residence. The couple has not decided whether to stay in the area or move, as they are trying to raise a family and want to do what is best for their children. In the aftermath of the arrests, Skordas said the family has largely kept to themselves.

"I think the Jenkses are pretty private people," he said.

Skordas said attorneys from both sides knew they wanted to reduce Jeffrey Jenks's felony charges to a single third-degree felony, and Lorraine Jenks's to a class A misdemeanor. Until now, they were trying to determine how that would be done, as there is no class A misdemeanor for prostitution. There is no agreement on a sentencing recommendation, but Skordas said the lack of criminal history should work in his clients' favor.

Prosecutor Donna Kelly said the plea agreement reflects what was taking place in the home. Lorraine Jenks was performing the services, and Jeffrey Jenks was running the operation. The reduced charges are fair for the circumstances, Kelly said, as the couple cooperated fully with investigators and gave a full statement to police.

Lorraine Jenks's job was also in jeopardy if she were convicted of a felony, Kelly said, but her job did not affect the charges as much as the entirety of the case did. Although the charges were reduced, Kelly said it was important that the outcome was not too lenient.

"Obviously, the state has an interest in making a statement that this kind of activity is not acceptable," she said.