Wichita law enforcement conducted an undercover sting operation at two adult video stores, Circle Cinema and Adult Superstore, resulting in the arrest of ten men. The individuals, aged 27 to 65, face a total of 17 charges, including sexual battery, lewd and lascivious misconduct, and possession of marijuana.
Wichita Operations
The sting operations took place at Circle Cinema, located at 2570 S. Seneca, and the Adult Superstore, situated at 5858 S. Broadway in south Wichita. Police booked the ten men following the undercover activities.
Circle Cinema, at 2570 South Seneca St., is described as a location for "Gay Wichita Bookstores Sex Shops Theatres." It operates 24/7, with peak times noted as Friday and Saturday late, from 10 PM to 2 AM. The establishment is located across the street from Westway Shopping Center, at the cross street of Pawnee. Cruising information for Circle Cinema suggests that the "cruisiest spots" are in the back on the ground floor and upstairs. The venue is not wheelchair accessible.
The charges against the arrested men include sexual battery, lewd and lascivious misconduct, and possession of marijuana. The ages of those arrested range from 27 to 65.
Context of Adult Industry Stings
Law enforcement agencies have conducted various sting operations targeting the adult industry and related activities in other locations. These operations have differed in their focus and methods.
In Tallahassee, Florida, a sting operation in July 2002 led to the arrest of five people. This operation focused on the sale of adult movies to minors. Sheriff's deputies raided four Tallahassee sex stores: Rick's Toy Box on North Monroe Street, Greg's Video on West Tharpe Street, X-Mart Adult Superstore on West Tennessee Street, and Intimate Encounters on Crawfordville Road. A 17-year-old girl, who was a high school senior and had previously been paid for undercover alcohol buys, posed as a customer and purchased adult videos. Detectives wired the teenager and provided her with marked cash. The Leon County Sheriff's Office Vice Unit, supervised by Sgt. Ed Cook, conducted this sting following complaints and a letter-writing campaign regarding sales practices at these stores. Sheriff Larry Campbell stated the objective was to ensure stores selling adult movies operated cleanly. Store owners in Tallahassee criticized the sweep as "entrapment" and expressed concern about exposing the 17-year-old to adult sex products.
Another type of sting, "Operation Undertow," occurred in Pensacola, Florida, from September 7 to 11. This internet sting resulted in 22 arrests. The operation targeted adults who traveled to a designated Pensacola location with the intent to have sex with minor children. Pensacola Police Chief David Alexander III stated that the effort aimed to protect children and make the internet safer, preventing future abuse. Pensacola Mayor Ashton Hayward also commented on the success of law enforcement in dealing with this issue. Warrants were issued for suspects who contacted undercover agents via computer to arrange sexual encounters with teenagers. Agents posted information on various websites and initiated conversations with suspects. Suspects were taken into custody upon their arrival at the designated location. Individuals charged with traveling to meet after using a computer to lure a child included David Olmos, 24, of 8800 Pine Forest Road, Pensacola; Calvin Pearson, 31, of 320 W. Ensley St., Pensacola; and Claudio Mistri, 56, of 7111 N. Blue Angel Parkway, Pensacola.
Key Facts
- Ten men were arrested in Wichita.
- The sting operations occurred at Circle Cinema, 2570 S. Seneca, and Adult Superstore, 5858 S. Broadway.
- Arrestees range in age from 27 to 65.
- Charges include sexual battery, lewd and lascivious misconduct, and possession of marijuana.
- A total of 17 crimes were alleged.
- Circle Cinema is described as a "Gay Wichita Bookstores Sex Shops Theatres" location, operating 24/7.
