HOUSTON, TX — Four people were arrested during a raid at an adult store officials accuse of operating illegally. The raid resulted in the closure of the store on Tuesday, but 24 Hour News and Video Emporium was open again Wednesday morning.The adult store has been in business since 2001 at its I-10 location on the west side of town. According to city business licensing officials, the store never has had a license and is ineligible for an adult-business permit because a school is located nearby.
Local residents said they do not understand why the city didn’t take enforcement action against the store sooner, especially considering the location typically serves as a haven for sexual encounters between men.
“People have found liquor bottles [and] used condoms in the elementary school playground,” one told KPRC Local 2 News. “I think it’s an embarrassment to the city that we can’t shut something like that down.”
An assistant Houston City Attorney seemed appalled by the reports generated by the raid.
Customers “can view adult video, pornography, and sometimes engage in sex relations,” Senior Assistant Houston City Attorney Don Cheatham told KPRC.
Arrested were 24 Hour News and Video’s owner, Steve Collins, who was nabbed on a charge of violating the city’s sexually oriented business ordinance, and three customers. One of the customers, a science teacher at a local high school who was charged with indecent exposure, also now faces an investigation by the state board of educator certification.
The other two customers were arrested on charges of public lewdness.
City officials said they are seeking a temporary injunction to shutter the store until they can convince a court to close the location permanently.
