Dallas police say they shut down an alleged illegal sex business, seizing drugs and cash. Two people face charges, while dozens detained were released.
DALLAS — The Dallas Police Department (DPD) raided a business in April, arresting two people and seizing thousands of grams of narcotics, officials said.
Officers with the Special Investigations Division, the Place Network Investigations Unit and the Northwest Prostitution Task Force executed a search warrant at Spayse Studios on April 17, according to a press release from the department. Police call the establishment in the 2500 block of Manana Drive a “sexual encounter center.”
According to DPD, detectives determined patrons could pay a cover fee to enter the business to engage in sexual conduct, a violation of the city’s sexually oriented business ordinance.
During the search, police detained 48 individuals and seized 227 grams of marijuana, 671 grams of psilocybin mushrooms and 11,034.7 grams of THC hash oil. Police also recovered more than $11,000 in currency, multiple computers, hard drives and other electronics, as well as pleasure devices and a cargo van believed to be used in the production of pornography, according to Dallas police.
Officers arrested Israel Luna, 53, and charged him with possession of a controlled substance over 400 grams, a first-degree felony; promotion of prostitution, a third-degree felony; possession of marijuana between four ounces and five pounds, a state jail felony; and operating a sexually oriented business without a license, a Class A misdemeanor.
Luna declined to comment for WFAA but provided a statement on his social media on May 2.
“What occurred was not only unexpected, but overwhelming,” Luna said in the May 2 statement. “My studio was left with significant damage, including forced entry into secured areas.”
He said essential items were taken by police, including his vehicle, “effectively halting my ability to work and generate income.” He’s tried working with local officials to ensure his business was in compliance with all applicable regulations, Luna added.
“Despite these efforts, I now find myself facing a legal and financial burden that I cannot manage alone,” his statement said. “This is why I humbly ask for your support.”
Luna said he now has legal representation, who has expressed concerns regarding how the raid was handled. He is asking for contributions to “continue this fight and begin rebuilding what has been lost.”
“While this is a personal fight, I also believe it represents something larger,” he said. “This is about fairness, accountability and the right to create spaces that serve and protect our community.”
He said support for him sends a message “that we will not be intimidated, we will not be silenced, and we will stand up for what is right.”
Marc Tuton, 42, was also charged with operating a sexually oriented business without a license.
The 48 others who were detained were released and not charged with any offense.
According to arrest warrant affidavits, the people detained told police they were there for consensual sex. The fee to enter was $35, which could be paid online or in person, the affidavits said.
Officers also found a box labeled “mushroom incubator,” affidavits said. Inside the box was a mushroom, according to police.
DPD also claims that Luna was “very public on social media” about producing sexual content and publishing events. Luna also created a website where he would host events and people would be filmed having sex, according to the affidavits.