Federal drug investigation might mean seizure of Desperado's in Carencro

A local small-business owner is at risk for having the enterprise he built taken away from him.

Federal law allows authorities to seize property they believe was involved in drug-dealing, and now they are going to try to use that power to seek the forfeiture of Desperado's Gentleman's Cabaret in Carencro.

The 54-year-old man who owns Desperado's was indicted earlier this month on charges that he allowed drug-dealing to occur in the open at his club. Authorities claim that over the span of a two-year undercover operation, agents made at least 30 purchases of drugs from dancers, waitresses and other club employees.

Authorities have also said that Desperado's was a front for prostitution, with dancers regularly having liaisons with customers in exchange for money.

What has not been made clear is why authorities think the owner knew what was going on at the club. If they have evidence that the owner knew about, or encouraged, drug-dealing and prostitution at Desperado's, they have not discussed it publicly.

As this story shows, if federal authorities believe that you have been involved in drugs, you are in serious trouble and will need to arrange for a very thorough defense. These charges carry very heavy penalties; your freedom, reputation and good name are very much on the line.

Source: The Lafayette Advertiser, "Feds will try to seize Desperado's" Dec. 24, 2012

• One of the areas our Lafayette law firm concentrates on is the defense of people who have been charged with drug crimes. We know that these are serious charges, so we make every effort to be vigilant and zealous defenders of our clients' rights. If you are interested in gathering more information, you could visit the Criminal Charges portion of our website.