Carolina Strip Club Finds Unusual Way to Sidestep Gambling Law
While Internet cafes and sweepstakes parlors have wrestled with using loopholes to allow gambling by paying off in something other than cash, a North Carolina man has taken the concept to a higher level. The appropriately-named Bobby Heffner permitted gambling in his club, and paid patrons in sex and drugs, say authorities.
Teddy Bears, the strip club owned by the 72-year-old Heffner, was raided after an intensive investigation over many months led officers to believe the Gastonia business was fronting for illegal gambling and prostitution.
In a scene reminiscent of the movie "Porky's," Heffner ran the backwater club as a center for vice, offering whatever temptations local law forbid for a hefty price. Heffner wasn't only into it for the cash, though; officers found a hidden video area where Heffner could watch and tape his female employees performing sex acts on customers.
One town resident, who refused to be named, speculated that some of the investigating officers were especially eager to review the tapes from the secret room, which would have documented their stops in Teddy Bears during the inquiry.
Officers arrested several dancers as well as Heffner, who was held in lieu of $10,000 bond.
Gamblers who thought they had found paradise were quickly sent on their way.
