Colacurcio on probation for groping

Longtime Seattle strip-club figure Frank Colacurcio Sr. was sentenced to six months of probation today for groping a waitress at Rick's strip club three years ago.

It was the second time that Colacurcio, 90, had been sentenced for the misdemeanor assault.

After his first conviction was overturned on appeal, city prosecutors sought a second trial, which ended in a guilty verdict from a jury last month.

Colacurcio did not attend the sentencing in Seattle Municipal Court. His attorney, Gil Levy, said Colacurcio, who has a heart condition and recently came down with the flu, was in the hospital for tests.

The Seattle City Attorney's Office originally had sought a harsher penalty, including home detention, but agreed to the lesser sentence Thursday due to Colacurcio's poor health and the desire to put the three-year-old case to rest.

"Mr. Colacurcio is likewise interested in putting this matter behind him," Levy said.

Colacurcio's accuser, Lauren Lutrell, testified that while she was working at Rick's in 2004, Colacurcio offered her $1,000 to go home with him and "be lovey." When she refused, Luttrell said, Colacurcio pinched her breasts through her clothing.

Lutrell also filed a lawsuit against Colacurcio that was settled in 2005 for an undisclosed sum.

Rick's, in Lake City, is operated by Colacurcio's son, Frank Colacurcio Jr.

Both Colacurcios face a separate trial early next year on charges they participated in a scheme to funnel illegal campaign contributions to three Seattle City Council members in 2003.

Jim Brunner: 206-515-5628