PALATKA, Fla. – Four men and a woman were arrested Tuesday at the Adult Super Center in Palatka as a part of an ongoing investigation into lewd activity within the business, according to the Putnam County Sheriff's Office.
Deputies said the investigation was the result of them receiving information that numerous patrons of the business were routinely engaging in public acts of lewdness on the premises in direct violation of Florida statute.
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A deputy in plain clothes entered into the business in the 3700 block of Reid Street to observe and report any illegal acts or activity, investigators said. They said once inside, the deputy saw four patrons openly engaging in lewd acts in the theater viewing area and placed them under arrest. A woman working at the store was also arrested.
Donald Beavers, 88, of Pomona Park, is charged with exposure of sexual organs. His bail was set at $504.
Migueal Ramirez, 59, of Satsuma, is charged with exposure of sexual organs, and entering or remaining in a place for the purpose of prostitution, lewdness or assignation. His bail was set at $1008.
Edwin Lynch, 80, of Flagler Beach, and Emanuel Koutelas Jr., 74, of St. Augustine, are each charged with entering or remaining in a place for the purpose of prostitution, lewdness or assignation. Their bails were set at $504.
Alva Yusem, 44, of Interlachen, is charged with owning, maintaining or operating a place of business for the purpose of lewdness, assignation or prostitution. Her bail was set at $504.
Investigators said they spoke with the owner of the Adult Super Center, who said he was going to immediately close the movie theater portion of the business in an attempt to prevent the illegal conduct from taking place inside the business.
"This is the third undercover operation conducted at the business since July 24, 2012, and each time officers have observed individuals openly engaged in lewd behavior in violation of Florida statute," Sheriff Jeff Hardy said. "Our scrutiny of this business will continue until such time as they come into compliance with the law."