Dominatrix Causing Pain For Some Local Residents

INDIANAPOLIS -- A self-proclaimed dominatrix who practices the dungeon arts of bondage and discipline is stirring up controversy in an Indianapolis neighborhood.

A woman who refers to herself as Mistress Ann (pictured, left), operates the business out of her house in the Meridian-Kessler neighborhood, RTV6's Jack Rinehart reported.

Mistress Ann serves an all-male clientele, and advertises her submission and domination business on the Internet, Rinehart reported.

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Mistress Ann Allowed RTV6 Inside Her Dungeon Slideshow: Inside The Dungeon Discussion: Should It Be Allowed?

Mistress Ann declined an on-camera interview, but allowed RTV6 cameras inside her home -- and dungeon.

The following are excerpts from phone conversations she had with clients:

Mistress Ann: The cost to interview with me, because it does take a big chunk of my time, is $75.
Mistress Ann: What we'll discuss is where this interest began, why you wish to explore it, and what goals you have toward cross-dressing.
Mistress Ann: In no way shape or form does this have anything to do with sex, and I think you understand that, right?

Mistress Ann's dungeon is outfitted with lashes, chains and other restraints. She admitted to engaging in sado-masochism, bondage and discipline, Rinehart reported.

Men coming into her home pay hundreds of dollars to dress like women and to unleash a part of their psyche that they may have formerly kept hidden in the shadows, Rinehart reported.

The business is operated in one of Indianapolis' oldest and highest-income neighborhoods. It's located only two doors down from St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church and Grade School, and only two blocks from a public library and a neighborhood policing center.

Police are aware of the business, but say it's legal, Rinehart reported.

"As long as it's legitimate, it's not breaking any laws," Indianapolis police Sgt. Ron Brezik said. "We receive no complaints about mistreatment from people that are there. She has a legal right to have it open."

Mistress Ann agrees by contract with her clients not to draw blood, inflict permanent marks, or permanent injury, Rinehart reported.

Officials with the nearby church expressed shock when they learned of the dominatrix house located so close to their building. The Rev. Patrick Doyle released a statement saying he had "no reason to believe the house poses a danger ... We have policies and procedures in place to ensure that our school is a haven for our children."

But Mistress Ann does not always conduct her business behind closed doors. She sometimes takes her clients -- leashed and dressed in latex -- on walks along the Monon Trail in Broad Ripple, Rinehart reported.

The local neighborhood association has voiced its concerns to the police and to city hall.

"I think it seems to be something that truly needs to be looked at in a thorough fashion so that the response to this is responsible," resident Caroline Farrar said.

The Marion County prosecutor's office has joined with IPD and other city agencies to investigate whether the house violates any state laws or local ordinances, Rinehart reported.