Judge Postpones Sex Club's Closure

INDIANAPOLIS -- A judge on Wednesday granted a reprieve to a sex club that previously was ordered to shut down by this week, saying the owners will get one more chance to explain why they feel it operates legally.

The Marion County judge granted a special hearing next month for the owners of the Reel One sex club, located on the city's west side. The club will be allowed to stay open at least until the hearing, RTV6's Jeremy Brilliant reported.

Under a ruling in May, the club was supposed to have closed by Wednesday. The city of Indianapolis had sought the club's closure since 2003, arguing that it is in violation of several ordinances, including one that prohibits operation of an adult entertainment business within 500 feet of a residential area.

The club's attorney, Richard Kammen, said Wednesday's ruling was a victory.

"(The club) has no more effect on this neighborhood than when people would go to the mayor's house for a political fundraising event, or when people would go to somebody else's house for a Fourth of July cookout," Kammen said.

The city's case against Reel One began after two undercover Indianapolis officers, married to each other, reported entering the club posing as swingers and witnessing sexual activity.

Lawyers for the club's owners did not dispute that sexual activity occurred at the club, but contended that what happened between consenting adults was not a matter of public concern.

Kammen said the city's efforts against the club constitute a witch hunt. He said the club operated without interference for more than a decade.

City officials countered that the club has always been illegal, regardless of when police started investigating it.

Justin Ohlemiller, of the city's Department of Metropolitan Development, said the city's efforts against the club show the city is trying to promote strong, healthy neighborhoods.

"The fact of the matter is, businesses that don't comply with the law, including those that are adult establishments, are a detriment to strong, healthy neighborhoods," Ohlemiller said.