Police Shut Down "Swinger" Party At Sebastian's

The Johnston Police Department and Rhode Island State Police arrested the owner of a local event room after detectives reportedly witnessed sexual acts being performed there on April 2.

Police charged Steven Santilli, of Johnston, owner of Sebastian's Party Place at 928 Plainfield St., with violating a town ordinance prohibiting adult entertainment, and with a felony count of circulation of obscene publications and shows.

Johnston Police Deputy Chief David DeCesare, during an interview on April 4, explained that Santilli had organized a "swinger" party, where married couples exchange partners for sexual encounters.

According to DeCesare, detectives observed female competitors in a wet t-shirt contest exposing their breasts, and a woman performing oral sex on the winner of a "hot body" contest for men.

The circulation of obscene materials charge relates to website announcements that Sebastian's allegedly posted to announce the event.

DeCesare said that the undercover detectives called in other officers after witnessing the nudity and before any further sexual acts could occur.

"From the detectives' perspective, it was starting to escalate," DeCesare explained, "so we decided to nip it in the bud."

Aside from Santilli, no other arrests were made immediately after the sting operation, DeCesare said.

"We focused on the owner and the other staff," he explained. "The paid patrons all dispersed."