WICHITA, KS – Thousands of Wichita citizens are up in arms about the existence of seven adult bookstores that they believe market obscene materials.In an attempt to force a grand jury probe of the businesses, 7,568 signatures accompanied a petition that was delivered to the Sedgwick District Court clerk in a box from anti-pornography activists who insist that an obscenity investigation be undertaken. Only 2,580 signatures were required to request that the grand jury convene, according to Pete Dominguez, pastor of the South City Southern Baptist Church and vice president of the group that calls itself Operation SouthWind.
Sedgwick County District Attorney representative Georgia Cole pointed out that law enforcement agencies are often vital during investigation of possible criminal activity. However, no case has been presented to the DA for prosecution. The decision to convene a grand jury will be made by the district court.
Nine other Kansas communities have launched similar efforts against adult oriented businesses, including Hutchinson, Great Bend, Hays, Concordia, and Salina. SouthWind leaders claim that another nine businesses will be targeted in a future petition.
