SAN ANTONIO – The Blush Show Club and Restaurant is being investigated after being accused of allowing an underage girl to work as an exotic dancer.
- Police believe the woman was forced to work at the club
- One man was arrested as a suspected human trafficker
- Investigation stems from arrest in November 2018
According to Bexar County Sheriff’s Office, the club has lost its liquor license due to charges of human trafficking.
"This is the first permit we've canceled in Texas regarding human trafficking," TABC Executive Director A. Bentley Nettles said.
Police believe the woman was forced to work at the club by suspected human trafficker Eric Taylor, who was arrested by BCSO in November 2018.
Taylor was arrested after a month-long joint investigation between BCSO and the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission.
The investigation began with reports of a 16-year-old runaway who was reportedly working at sexually-oriented businesses in the Central Texas area, including some licensed to sell alcohol by TABC.
Sherriff Javier Salazar said over 80 incidents had happened at the MGM Nightclub between 2017 and 2018, and several people were arrested in connection to human trafficking, including Taylor.
Once the minor was located, investigators uncovered evidence of sexual assault on the part of Taylor, along with evidence finding that he had recruited the girl and forced her to work at the clubs.
Both TABC and BCSO are continuing their investigation to determine if there are further victims and if the clubs were aware of the illegal activity.
TABC Chairman Kevin J. Hilly released a statement in 2018 on the arrest:
"This case is a perfect example of why TABC is involved in the fight against human trafficking. Not only was this suspect allegedly sexually assaulting his underaged victim, he's accused of making her work as a dancer at a sexually oriented business. I urge any TABC-licensed business which would even think about allowing this type of activity to carefully consider the consequences of their actions."