Executive Summary
- Managers of On the Border Gentlemen’s Club announced new anti-trafficking protocols.
- Federal investigators arrested four individuals, including one former employee.
- A criminal complaint alleges staff facilitated commercial sex acts and interstate trafficking.
- The former employee, Brian Hopkins, has pled not guilty to the charges.
Managers of a Franklin, Wisconsin, adult entertainment venue have announced operational changes and new prevention protocols following a human trafficking investigation that resulted in charges against a former employee and three others.
In a statement released to the community via Facebook, Jerry and Mary Hay, managers of the On the Border Gentlemen’s Club, addressed the recent allegations surrounding the business. They clarified that of the four individuals arrested in connection with the case, only one suspect, Brian Hopkins, was employed by the establishment. Management confirmed that Hopkins was terminated immediately after they were made aware of the investigation.
A criminal complaint filed in Milwaukee County Circuit Court outlines the scope of the allegations. According to the filing, a confidential informant told investigators that staff members at the club benefited from commercial sex acts, including arranging “sex dates” in private rooms. The complaint further states that the informant alleged staff members were involved in trafficking women across multiple states.
The club’s management stated they are implementing a “trafficking awareness and prevention program” selected from available resources to prevent future incidents. In their public statement, they emphasized a commitment to safeguarding patrons and staff, while also noting plans to strengthen relationships with local, state, and federal agencies to ensure compliance and safety.
Judicial Proceedings and Legal Context
As the legal process moves forward, Brian Hopkins remains the only suspect to have appeared before a judge, where he entered a plea of not guilty. Three other suspects—Jimmy Durant, Dantavia Rule, and Maurice Russell—are currently awaiting the appointment of legal counsel. This case underscores the rigorous enforcement of federal statutes regarding interstate trafficking and the liability concerns facing venues implicated in such activities. It is important to note that all individuals named in the criminal complaint are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
