Strip club closed after food stamps used to buy lap dances, drugs, investigators say

HARRISON TOWNSHIP, Ohio — The Ohio Liquor Control Commission revoked the liquor permit of Sharkey's bar, an adult entertainment establishment, effective at the close of business Thursday, after investigators used food stamps to buy lap dances.

>> Read more trending news

Agent-in-Charge Michelle Thourot said agents began investigating the Twenty Two Fifty Inc., also known as Sharkey's, in May 2017. During the investigation, agents were able to purchase drugs and lap dances using food stamp benefits.

Throughout the five-month investigation, agents reportedly exchanged $2,404.87 in food stamps to purchase heroin, fentanyl, carfentanil, cocaine, methamphetamines and lap dances.

TRENDING NOW:

• Who was Snochia Moseley, alleged gunman at the Rite Aid distribution center?
• Here's what happened when scientists gave octopuses ecstasy
• Man killed in Duquesne shooting
• VIDEO: 3D-Printed Gun Creator Cody Wilson, Wanted on Child Sex Charge, Arrested at Taiwan Hotel
• DOWNLOAD the Channel 11 News app for breaking news alerts

Criminal charges were filed against employees and patrons for drug trafficking, food stamp trafficking, aggravated shipment and distribution of heroin, engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity and illegal sexual activity.

Agents also filed 44 charges that were heard by the Liquor Control Commission that included drug possession, drug sales, engaging in sexual activity, food stamp trafficking and solicitation.
This is the second adult entertainment establishment liquor permit that has been revoked by the Liquor Control Commission as a result of an Ohio Investigative Unit investigation into food stamp and drug trafficking this year in the Dayton area. The other location, The Harem, lost its liquor license in May 2018.

Cox Media Group