Friday night, officers of the Butler County Sheriff Office and the El Dorado Police Department executed a raid on the Retreat Club east of El Dorado on US 54.

The raid came after county officials became aware of an adult entertainment promotion being conducted at the club. The Retreat is currently licensed as a “drinking establishment,” but does not have an adult entertainment license, putting the club in violation of the county resolution pertaining to adult entertainment licensing.

County Administrator Will Johnson spoke to the Board of County Commissioners about the issue Monday.

“They weren’t smart enough not to advertise it on radio stations, so we knew about it,” Johnson said.

Officers arrested three dancers, three waitress/bartenders, one manager, and charges are pending on the owner of the club in regard to licensing violations.

“Each one of those people, including the owner, is subject to a $250 up to a $1,000 fine,” Johnson said. “I don’t understand it.”

The case has been turned over to the County Attorney’s office for prosecution, but the question remains as to why the club would violate the resolution. A message was left with the Retreat, but no one could be reached as of press time.

“Anything I could say would be pure speculation,” Murphy said. “Why they went ahead, [without securing the permit] I have no idea. In fact, he told me they were expecting me.”

“What’s the point if they knew they were going to jail?” asked Commissioner Jeff Masterson during the board’s meeting.

“I’m sure they’re going to file a civil suit against the county for not allowing them to provide adult entertainment,” Johnson said.

“But they are allowed,” Masterson said.

“That’s exactly right, if they go through the process,” Johnson said.

“So they want to sue to bypass our regulations and zoning and all that?” Masterson clarified.

“All these regulations were passed before they were in business, so I don’t think [it’ll happen],” Johnson said. “Not in district court.”

Murphy said he suspects Butler County may be too conservative for the Retreat.
“This is kind of new territory for Butler County,” Murphy said. “And it’s new territory for this owner.”

While the owner and manager are responsible for oversight of the facility, County Attorney Jan Satterfield said the employees had a “duty to inquire,” too, making them just as culpable. As for the customers who attended the event, it’s not as clear.

Three of those arrested made court appearances Monday, including Victoria Saxton, 19; Susie Moore, 26; and Retreat manager Kenneth Porter, 32. Ashley Aitch, 23; Jacqualyn Stephens, 24; Melissa Weber, 23; and Katrice Williams, 23, are scheduled to appear Wednesday. The court plans to file the charges against Retreat owner Arlando Trotter, too.

The violation of a county resolution brings the same penalty as a Class B misdemeanor, meaning the possibility of six months in County Jail and a $1,000 fine.