Posted on 04/23/2005 10:07:29 AM PDT by Mo1
April 22, 2005 — Philadelphia police carried out an undercover sex sting inside the Strawbridge's department store in Center City late Thursday.
The 16 male suspects are between 21 and 80-years-old. They are charged with indecent exposure, open lewdness, and disorderly conduct. "That's just very rude to Strawbridge's and everything. That's just horrible."
Police arrested the men after an undercover sting in the bathroom on the second floor. "Specifically the problem was prostitution and sex related acts in that bathroom, among male customers."
The department store asked police to investigate when the problem became unbearable. One sales associate says he knew something was up every time he took a bathroom break. "At certain times of the day, you'd see groups of people, just standing around, looking strange."
The store isn't commenting on the sting. But employees are pleased action has been taken. "We're a clothing store, not a sex store so, it's not something we want to be known for."
But two years ago the same store in Center City had the same situation. David Kimmelman/Sewell, New Jersey: "They should have their security in the department store, in the bathroom, making sure it doesn't go on for the safety of their patrons."
You may recall when police conducted a similar raid in the bathroom on the 6th floor. Back then they arrested about a dozen people. Detectives say that location was posted on a pornographic website that lists public places where men can find other men for anonymous sexual encounters.
Some shoppers are appalled this was going on again in the popular store.
"What's the matter, they can't afford a high class hotel or something? That's ridiculous!"
"What's the matter, they can't afford a low class hotel or something? That's ridiculous!"
And hey, we'll keep the light on for ya.
"I knew something was up when I saw potpourri dishes next to the sinks," said one sales associate.
Ecch. Just ecch.
But remember, homosexuality isn't a nacricistic hedonistic behavior driven by a mental disorder.. they are just like the rest of us /SARCASM
City of Brotherly love.
Philadelphia, the "City of Brotherly Love"!
Gives new meaning to half off.
If there's somethin' strange in your neighborhood
Who ya gonna call? Ghostbusters!
If it's somethin' weird an it don't look good
Who ya gonna call? Ghostbusters!
Apparently not
One of the suspects turned out to be a tailor from the menswear department who stated that business had been slow and he was just trying to maintain his skill at checking inseams.
This is just normal behavior! Everyone does it - right?!?< /sarcasm>
Oh, barf!
and it's a very good reason not to let your young boys go to a public restroom alone - it is not safe -
I remember a case a few years ago that was so horrible I can't even type it - but DO NOT let your young son's go to one alone. Make 'em dance and hold on or peeee in a bottle in the car.
I could say a few things..........but I think I'll press mute on the keyboard.......
Can't go anywhere. But wait a minute...can't thses guys go to Gay Bars and do the same thing? There must some in town. Why in a public store?
This is nothing new. I worked in the shipping and receiving area in that store over 30 years ago, when I first got out of high school. Whenever I went into the men's room in the basement (right next to the Men's clothing department), there were always a number of guys in there, each of them in one of the stalls. They would each be standing on top of the toilet, looking over the top of the stall. I had no idea what was going on, until one of my older coworkers explained it to me. At the time, I did not know that type of thing even existed. I stayed out of there from then on!
Because they are homophobes and are uncomfortable in gay bars?
Oh.
Well.
Nevermind
Well, they do know how to dress. (LOL) I wonder if the ladies could get into this too, there are stores where a lot of men are standing around waiting on the shopper in the family. Oh wait, we want to stop this kind of behavior.
Why would a rich guy
like Pee Wee Herman get caught
in a filthy dive,
or a superstar
like George Michael get picked up
in a public john?
I'm guessing the thrill
must be extra, well, thrilling
in a "plain" locale . . .
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