Sheriff Calls Closure Of Two Dodge County Strip Clubs ‘A Positive’

(Juneau) Sheriff Dale Schmidt says good police work as led to the closure of two Dodge County strip clubs where suspected sex-trafficking was taking place. Following FBI raids and frequent law enforcement bar checks, the Wild Rose in Lebanon and the Hardware Store in Clyman have shut their doors. Both establishments were named in a federal complaint last year that alleges human trafficking had occurred inside those clubs.

Schmidt says these latest developments are a positive for the county. He says he is not for the shutting down businesses but anytime the FBI has to get involved suggests that these place are not operating within the law. Schmidt says a business that operates legally will have no issues with police.

During last week’s appearance on WBEV’s Community, Schmidt said in 2015 his department made an effort to focus more on the issues of sex trafficking. He says he has sent detectives and troopers to training to help them better handle these situations.

Solomon’s in Juneau is the only strip club left in Dodge County and Schmidt says he knows they are being watched. Solomon’s was not named in the federal complaint. A sign posted to the Hardware Store at the beginning of the year suggested the club was going to be closed for only a period of time. However, the phone number listed for the establishment is disconnected. Wild Roses’ business information on Google shows that club is permanently closed.

Schmidt says he had introduced the idea of licensing strippers to the county board, but the matter was tabled in committee as supervisors are awaiting direction out of Madison as it relates to problem strip clubs.

 

Watch our interview with Sheriff Schmidt here:

https://www.facebook.com/dailydodge/videos/661868194230093/

 

Listen to our interview with Sheriff Schmidt here: