NASHVILLE, Tenn. - A downtown business was padlocked after authorities said it was a public nuisance.
The owner of City Dreams Gentlemen's Club on 4th Avenue South, identified as 44-year-old Ronald Stanley, was led out of the business in handcuffs Sunday morning.
"The message quite frankly is to the business owner here that we just expect you to be compliant,” said Captain Mike Alexander, of the Specialized Investigations Division. “And I believe the public expects that, and I believe all the Metro government entities that are involved here today are just seeking compliance with the law."
Metro officers said an investigation lasting months revealed the business was promoting illegal activities, including sexual behavior, drug use, and unlawful alcohol sales.
Investigators said they've received numerous complaints against the business and talked to the owner for months giving him several warnings.
"It seemed to be an open-air drug ingestion place, if you will, a lot of people sitting around smoking marijuana just freely and out in the open was the majority of who was in there,” Captain Alexander said. “Obviously that is a big concern for the department for nearby businesses and for people in this particular area."
During the investigation and a search of Stanley's home on Wildwood Drive, investigators seized 17.6 pounds of marijuana, $43,321 in cash, a .380 pistol, small amounts of MDMA and cocaine, and a 2007 Cadillac Escalade.
Stanley was taken to jail where he was being held in lieu of a $90,000 bond. He was charged with possession of marijuana for resale and unlawful gun possession.
Stanley has been set to appear before a judge Friday.
Until then, authorities said no one would be allowed to enter the business.
