PIGEON FORGE, TENNESSEE The founder and former CEO of a regional hotel chain will serve 90 days in jail after agreed to a plea deal relating to sexual advances against women.
Until recently, Ken Seaton, 73, was head of Pigeon Forge, Tennessee-based KMS Enterprises, parent company of Grand Resort Hotel Group. The company operates 18 budget properties in the Pigeon Forge area, primarily under the Family Inns of America brand. He is also a former president of the Pigeon Forge Chamber of Commerce.
Seaton was originally charged with sexual battery in connection with separate incidents at his business office in October and November 2009. Alleged acts included touching, fondling, groping and moving his body in a manner that imitated sexual intercourse, according to Knoxville News Sentinel.
Seaton pleaded guilty to three counts of simple assault and pleaded “no contest” in two cases. In those two cases, he maintains his innocence.
The sentences in the plea agreement total just under two years, all suspended except the 90 days.