News Summary
The Atascosa County Sheriff’s Office, in conjunction with the local fire marshal, executed a raid resulting in the closure of Pink Monkey Cabaret. Described as a sexually oriented business operating without the necessary licenses, it was shut down shortly after opening due to numerous safety violations. Four individuals were arrested during the operation, which emphasized the commitment to community safety and the enforcement of local laws regarding such establishments.
Atascosa County Sees Closure of Unauthorized ‘Sexually Oriented’ Business
In a surprising turn of events, the Atascosa County Sheriff’s Office, in collaboration with the local fire marshal, conducted a raid that led to the permanent closure of the Pink Monkey Cabaret. This establishment was described as a “sexually oriented business” operating illegally, without the necessary licenses. The raid, creatively dubbed “Operation High Heel,” took place recently, just a week after the Pink Monkey Cabaret opened its doors.
What Happened During the Raid?
Residents nearby quickly labeled the Pink Monkey Cabaret as a “strip club,” and it was located conveniently close to State Highway 16, just north of Poteet, Texas. However, during the raid, authorities discovered a number of alarming safety violations. It was reported that the business lacked running water, had no functioning restrooms, and failed to provide adequate fire exits for patrons and staff alike.
The Arrests
As a result of this raid, four individuals were taken into custody:
- Morgan Gee, 30, from San Antonio, faces charges for operating without a license along with possession of a controlled substance, specifically from Penalty Group 2.
- Martin Compian, 32, also from San Antonio, has been charged with operating without a license.
- Mary Ann Sanchez, 43, from Pleasanton, is charged with the same offense—operating without a license.
- Michael Cardona, 43, again from San Antonio, shares similar charges for operating without a license and also faces charges for possession of marijuana.
Operating an unlicensed sexually oriented business is considered a class A misdemeanor. This designation reflects the seriousness of the operation and its implications for community safety.
Community Safety and Enforcement
The Atascosa County Sheriff, Jake Guerra, emphasized the necessity of compliance with local laws and the commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of residents. The concerns about illegal businesses and their potential impacts on the community prompted these enforcement actions from authorities.
Following the raid, photos surfaced showing a sheriff’s deputy physically locking the front door of the Pink Monkey Cabaret with a large chain, firmly signaling that this establishment is permanently closed and cannot reopen legally. This action undoubtedly brings a sense of relief to many local residents who may have been concerned about the implications of such a business in their neighborhood.
Next Steps for the Arrested Individuals
The prosecution for those arrested will be managed by the Atascosa County Attorney’s Office. This will involve legal proceedings to address the charges related to operating the unauthorized business, as well as the additional drug charges faced by some of the individuals involved.
As the dust settles on this story, it serves as a reminder of the importance of adhering to local regulations and maintaining safe environments for all community members. The closure of Pink Monkey Cabaret marks a significant move by local authorities to uphold the law and safeguard public health and safety.
While some might view these busts as an attempt to crack down on adult entertainment, many community members are breathing a sigh of relief, knowing that local enforcement is active and attentive to the concerns of residents. In any case, it’s clear that Atascosa County is committed to maintaining its community values and enforcing the law, ensuring that such establishments do not continue to operate outside the boundaries set by local regulations.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- News 4 San Antonio: Operation High Heel shuts down unlawful sexually oriented business, four arrested
- Wikipedia: Atascosa County, Texas
- KSAT: Strip club shut down for having no license and water, Atascosa County Sheriff says
- Google Search: Pink Monkey Cabaret Atascosa County
- KENS5: Operation High Heel: Four arrests in Pink Monkey, Atascosa County
- Google Scholar: unauthorized sexually oriented business
- San Antonio Current: Authorities bust sexually oriented San Antonio area business called Pink Monkey Cabaret
- Encyclopedia Britannica: sexually oriented business
- KTSA: Four arrested in illegal cabaret operation in Atascosa County
- Google News: Atascosa County business closure
Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
