Six women arrested at Wacko's following undercover operation

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Six women were arrested at Wacko's Gentlemen's Club on Emerson Street after an undercover operation by the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office.

But it's not the first-time Wacko's has been at the center of a JSO investigation.

This time the business became the focus on an undercover operation following a Sept. 27 inspection.

JSO said it got information that human trafficking and prostitution were happening at night.

According to the police reports, undercover detectives posed as customers over the course of a month.

Back in March 2017, Action News Jax told you about another operation that ended in the arrest of another two women for prostitution and drug charges.

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Action News Jax Law and Safety expert Dale Carson said since the employees are independent contractors, they're the ones who face charges.

"The owner of the club, if you will, is not responsible for independent acts, criminal acts, of the particular dancers that are arrested in these cases," said Carson.

Following the March 2017 raid, Wacko's sued the city alleging that it was trying to censor the club with the raids.

Both parties have settled through mediation.

Right now, there's one active code enforcement case on the gentlemen's club after it was cited for having simulated gambling devices.

A city spokesperson said they're in the process of getting the issue resolved because Wacko's has now removed the equipment from the club.

All the women who were arrested have since been released from jail and are awaiting their next court date.

Wacko's declined to comment.

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