Several Arrested After Police Find Teenager Dancing In Adult Nightclub In Orlando

According to a report from WESH 2 NBC Orlando, a young girl—just 15 years of age—was found to be dancing at an adult nightclub in Central Florida. Four people have now been arrested in relation to this case. Within this article, our Orlando sex crimes defense attorney explains what we know and discusses the charges that have been filed.

A 2021 Traffic Stop for a Broken Taillight Prompted Investigation 

The nightclub in question is an adult entertainment called Flash Dancer Orlando. It is located on the outskirts of the city, in Orange County. In 2021, a police officer stopped a vehicle that was leaving the parking lot of the adult entertainment club. The car had a broken rear taillight. During the stop, the officer eventually determined that a girl—a dancer who had just left the Orlando club—lied about her age and identity. It was later discovered that she was just 15 years old. She also had warrants out for her arrest and she was taken to a local juvenile detention facility.

As she is underage, she never had a license to dance at an adult entertainment club. In Florida, adult dancers need a proper license. Four high-ranking people at the Orlando, FL nightclub were arrested in relation to the matter, including the club’s owner, its general manager, and two other supervisory employees. They reportedly told police that the girl presented a  “fake ID” and that the verification of her name and age fell through the cracks. 

Human Trafficking Charges Filed Against Several People, including Club Owner 

Human trafficking is a serious crime. It involves the exploitation of individuals for various purposes, such as forced labor, sexual exploitation, and domestic servitude. In Florida, human trafficking is treated as a felony offense. Florida Statute 787.06 specifically addresses human trafficking, categorizing it as a first-degree felony. The statute encompasses different forms of exploitation, including forced labor, sexual exploitation of minors, and debt bondage.

Notably, individuals who knowingly benefit from human trafficking can also face charges under this statute. It is an important point because this provision may be used to bring charges against people they own or operate places like adult nightclubs. Penalties for human trafficking in Florida are severe, often resulting in lengthy prison sentences and substantial fines. For example, if the victim is an adult, the offender may face up to 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. When the alleged victim of human trafficking is a minor, the penalties are significantly increased, with a potential life sentence and a fine of up to $15,000.

Get Help From a Sex Crimes Defense Lawyer in Central Florida

At The Baez Law Firm, we are committed to the principle that every person is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. If you or your loved one is facing any type of sex crimes charge, we are here to help you determine the best course of action. Contact us today to arrange a completely confidential, no obligation case evaluation. With a legal office in Orlando, we provide solutions-driven criminal defense representation in Orange County and throughout Central Florida.

Source:

wesh.com/article/teen-dancing-orlando-strip-club/43520224