Tunica Club Busted for Underage Dancers

Tunica County, MS - Tunica Sheriff's Deputies shut down a make-shift club after finding underage strippers inside. Three people are facing charges and now the FBI is involved because the underage strippers were allegedly brought across state lines from Memphis.

Deputies say a 2 week investigation uncovered drugs and porn along with the underage dancers. They say the club was also serving liquor without a license. Captain Cedric Davis is with the Tunica County Sheriff's Office, "Once everything was documented we felt the time was right to go ahead and make a move."

Sunday, deputies raided the club and shut it down. Club owner Percy Pelt was charged with illegal possession of liquor.

31 year old photographer Marcus Burks was charged with 2 counts of child porn for allegedly taking pornographic pictures of a 16 and 17 year old dancer.

42 year old DJ, Mark Anthony Sims was charged with 2 counts of child enticement.

Deputies say Sims used a black van to transport teen girls from Memphis to the club to strip.He could face federal charges.

Davis said, "When they mentioned the girls were 16 and 17 dancing nude it was kind of a wake up call, I have a young daughter of my own and it hit home."

The sheriffs office says the 16 and 17 year old girls who were allegedly caught stripping at the club, were returned to their parents who apparently had no idea their daughters were being brought across state lines to dance.

“Normally we try to keep everything under control here," Davis said. People living near the club say it's packed on the weekends.

Deputies say they keep a close eye on these types of establishments and were surprised how much illegal activity was allegedly going on inside. They say the bust sends a strong message.

Deputies say the FBI is talking with the US Attorney to see if federal charges will, in fact, be filed.

Investigators aren't sure if there were other teenage girls stripping at the club, but if you have any information call Tunica County Crimestoppers at 662-910-0400.

As always you may remain anonymous.