Snapchat video shows exotic dancers, alcohol and stacks of ones. Neighbors say someone is running a strip club out of a San Jose townhome; the host denies it and says they are just private parties.
Benzinger's relative lives on Camille Circle. He's now representing approximately 12 units. "This is an unlicensed commercial activity right in the middle of a group of townhomes. It's flabbergasting.
It's unbelievable," said Benzinger. ABC7 News obtained video of people coming and going from the complex during the middle of the night. At the base of the stairs, individuals wearing shirts that say 'security' escorting them to the party by flashlight.It's why she agreed to talk with ABC7 News, but asked us not to show her face because of concerns for her safety."When you're calling, what are you telling the 911 call operator," ABC7 News I-Team reporter Melanie Woodrow asked."And what is the response of the 911 call operator when you say there's a strip club going on at this unit," Woodrow asked.But she says despite her efforts, every weekend, the parties continue.The I-Team asked San Jose police to look up several case numbers provided to us by the resident. A spokesperson said they were either noise or music complaints. We asked further about three calls to 911 in one weekend. One on Aug. 18 at 4:42 a.m. A spokesperson told the I-Team, police did not respond to that 911 call because a supervisor requested the information be turned over to the bureau of investigations for follow-up. Police said another call on Aug. 19 at 4:58 a.m. was solely a music complaint and there was no police response. In a final call to 911 on Aug. 20 at 4:08 a.m., San Jose police said communications personnel called the reporting party back for an update on the noise disturbance prior to dispatching officers. When unable to reach the caller for a status update, the call was cancelled. In a follow-up email to ABC7 News, a spokesperson referred to the noise disturbance as a "low priority call."A San Jose police spokesperson told the I-Team, public information officers and other department personnel were not available for interviews. By email, the spokesperson told the I-Team SJPD was first made aware of the allegations in early August and that an investigation into what they call the illegal business is open and ongoing.I-Team reporter Melanie Woodrow called the number listed on the invitations and spoke with someone who identified himself as Fressh for 22 minutes. He told her the private parties are for friends and family and that his mom who lived in the townhome recently passed away. He denied charging money to get in or for bottle service and told ABC7 News that "200" for bottles referred to tokens, not dollars. He said the exotic dancers are entertainers, family and friends, not employees. He called the security guards his brothers and said they work a graveyard shift at nearby clubs and that if they're outside, it's because they're smoking.San Jose's Code Enforcement Deputy Director told the I-Team Code Enforcement has opened a case to investigate any potential zoning, building, or municipal code violations within purview. Also that it is coordinating with SJPD on the issues at the townhome.The Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control told the I-Team it could not confirm or deny if its investigating but reiterated that it looks into every complaint received. Also that the sale of alcoholic beverages in California without an appropriate license is a misdemeanor violation of the Business and Professions Code.Enforcement aside, a person who told ABC7 News she's been helping the landlord said an eviction process is underway, but also takes time. She texted Woodrow, "We are doing everything we can to get these people out asap while we are waiting for the court clerk to process the paperwork." An effort the parties' host may be aware of. When ABC7 News shared neighbors' concerns with him on the phone, he apologized and offered to keep the music down. He also said he expects to leave within the next 20 days. Thursday afternoon, a Sheriff's Deputy walked up the stairs and placed an eviction notice on the window giving the people inside until September 6th to leave or be forced out."I really feel traumatized by it," said the resident. "This is not safe, it's dangerous, and it's not just dangerous for me, it's a danger for everyone," she continued.
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