By Gary Pitts/WPSD
Metropolis, IL – Authorities have charged three employees of a Metropolis, Illinois exotic dance club with prostitution following an undercover police investigation. State police say they conducted investigations at The Pony' for several months culminating in three arrests Saturday night. 36-year-old Heather Habeeb, 20-year-old Amy Fee, and 18-year-old Autumn Prater are all charged with solicitation and prostitution. The arrests come amid a legal battle between the club and the City of Metropolis. City Attorney Rick Abell says an ordinance currently in litigation could have prevented these alleged criminal acts.
"The regulations themselves would make it very difficult to have prostitution. You don't have prostitution when the dancers don't touch the patrons. You don't have prostitution when there's a stage, and the patrons are kept back from the stage. When the place is properly lighted, you have less opportunity for other types of criminal activities to occur."
Illinois State Law defines prostitution broadly including sex and/or fondling for compensation. Metro Pony Club owner Jerry Westlund tells WPSD TV the city is targeting his club and is unaware of any crimes committed in the club. Abell says he believes the court will come down with a decision in the city's favor soon. He says if the issue goes to trial, this weekend's arrests could be used in the case.