Business & Tech
Police Major: Sebastian's Owner Claimed "Swinger" Event Was Birthday Party
Johnston Town Councilors revoke the licenses held by the event hall following an April 2 police raid.
Maj. John F. Perrotta told the town council on April 11 that Steven Santilli, the owner of , claimed he was hosting a private event on April 2, the night of a that shut down the event hall.
"I spoke to Mr, Santilli," Perrotta stated. "He said he didn't need an adult license because it was a birthday party."
Perrotta spoke during show cause hearings that resulted in the council revoking the three licenses that Sebastian's held, by separate 4-0 votes. Councilors agreed that the "swinger" party held April 2 in businesses where alcohol is served.
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According to police reports, a Johnston patrolwoman and a male State Police detective posed as a couple and entered the event on April 2 after paying the $25 cover charge. The undercover officers reportedly witnessed displays of nudity and a sex act before calling in a team of police who shut down the event.
Santilli also faces a state felony charge of promoting and presenting an obscene show. He is on June 2.
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At the council meeting, held at the town's , Perotta testified that Santilli was present the whole time, and was fully aware of the activities occurring in the club.
Perrotta also refuted Santilli's claim of a private party by stating that police found it was advertised on the Internet in advance, under the name Mingles. The ad for Mingles included Sebastian's address and used the same interior pictures as those used on Sebastian's website, which left no doubt the clubs were one and the same, Perrotta explained.
Councilor David Santilli (D-Dist. 3) recused himself because he is a cousin of Steven Santilli, and left the meeting before it adjourned.
Also on April 11, the town council took the following actions:
- Approved, by a 5-0 vote, a resolution to place police officers hired after July 1, 2010 in the Municipal Employees Retirement System.
- Approved a resolution to institute a tax amnesty program which would allow the Town of Johnston to waive penalties and interest on delinquent taxes, without the help of an outside law firm. The plan needs General Assembly approval.
