State liquor commission revokes Harem’s liquor permit

Credit: CHUCK HAMLIN/STAFF

Credit: CHUCK HAMLIN/STAFF

The state has revoked the liquor permit of the Harem, an adult club in Harrison Twp. that was the target of a 2017 state investigation that yielded dozens of charges including felony drug trafficking and food stamp fraud.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Ohio Investigative Unit, which conducted the investigation, was informed of the decision by the Ohio Liquor Control Commission on Thursday.

Last fall, agents concluded an eight-month investigation of the Harem, 5825 North Dixie Drive, after complaints surfaced there 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.

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.

At least 11 people were indicted for alleged crimes at the club after OIU, the Range Task Force and the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office conducted a search warrant on Sept. 28. A nuisance abatement was filed the same day and the club shut down. Subsequent hearings have prohibited the Harem from operating for one year.

Agents also filed 117 administrate charges, including drug possession, drug sales, engaging in sexual activity, food stamp trafficking and solicitation.

RELATED: Harem strip club defendant sentenced for drug trafficking, sex charges

One Dayton woman was sentenced for drug and sex charges.

Samantha Childers received up to five years’ community control sanctions after pleading guilty to cocaine and heroin trafficking plus illegal sexual contact with patrons.

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