WEST MONROE, LA — Once the West Monroe Red Door adult novelty shop opened, Ouachita Parish authorities started receiving complaints from its neighbors. “People that saw it opening up didn’t want them in and around their communities,” insists Maj. Jay Russel of the area sheriff’s office.As of Thursday, the communities got their way, because Alvena K. Johnson, Bobby Joe Tremaine, and Lori Scott Tremaine were arrested and their shops closed.
According to Assistant District Attorney Neal Johnson, their crime was selling obscene sex toys, erotic videos, novelty items, and gag gifts. Oddly enough, Johnson admits that the items are legal for West Monroe citizens to own and use, but not to sell.
“You can put it on your night stand, but you can’t sell it,” he explains.
Seventy-year-old Alvena Johnson, the owner of the Fun Depot in Monroe, was booked on two counts of promotion or wholesale promotion of obscene devices. The Tremaines, who own stores in both West Monroe and in the Swartz area, received four counts on the shame charges.
The charges carry the possibility of between six months to three years I prison and a fine of as much as $2,500. Bond has been set at $3,500 for each count.
