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(Columbus) – Earlier today, the Ohio Investigative Unit (OIU)
was informed of the decision by the Ohio Liquor Control Commission to revoke
the liquor permit of a Montgomery County adult entertainment establishment.
Agents began investigating
the Harem, 5825 North Dixie Drive, after complaints of possible human
trafficking. While no charges were filed related to human trafficking, during
the investigation agents were able to purchase drugs using food stamp benefits and
cash.
Throughout the eight-month
investigation, agents exchanged $1,764.87 in food stamps to purchase fentanyl,
carfentanil, cocaine, methamphetamines, prescription drugs, and marijuana. In
all, 114 criminal charges were filed, including 31 felony drug trafficking,
three felony food stamp charges and 73 illegal sexual activity charges.
Agents also filed 117
administrate charges, including drug possession, drug sales, engaging in sexual
activity, food stamp trafficking and solicitation.
OIU, the Range Task Force
and the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office conducted a search warrant on
September 28. A nuisance abatement, an emergency shut down, was filed on
September 28 by the Montgomery County Prosecutor Mathias Heck. Subsequent
hearings have prohibited the Harem from operating for one year.
During the investigation,
information also lead the agents to two additional liquor permits. The
administrative cases against Sharkey’s, 6028 North Dixie Drive, and the Living
Room, 3830 North Dixie Drive, are still pending with the Liquor Control
Commission.
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If you
suspect food stamp fraud, human trafficking or drug trafficking please call
#677.
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