An entrance to the Horse Cave Adult Book Store is shown in this photo released by the Hart County Sheriff’s Office.
(HART COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE)
BY BRENNAN D. CRAIN, WCLU News
HORSE CAVE — An adult bookstore in Hart County visible from Interstate 65 has been permanently closed after a court hearing last Wednesday.
The Hart County Sheriff’s Office said the owners of the Horse Cave Adult Book Store agreed to a permanent closure and deed restriction of the store along Flint Ridge Road. The restriction prevents the future sale of explicit sexual activity and merchandise.
A three-year investigation revealed incidents of indecent exposure, two deaths and drug distribution at the store. Over 30 citations were issued for violations to a local ordinance, which requires stores to carry a permit to operate a place entertainment.
The store sold what authorities are calling “poppers” – a drug to enhance sexual functions.
Undercover deputies with the Hart County Sheriff’s Office discovered a “back room,” which were areas where various sexual acts were held and contained “glory hole booths,” according to a news release from the sheriff’s office.
Couches and other paraphernalia were allegedly provided to assist in the sexual acts.
A Hart County ordinance was updated after a vote by the county’s fiscal court. A civil suit was brought against the store, which charged the business with operating a house of abatement.
The owners of the business agreed in court on Aug. 31 to close it permanently. The future sale of explicit sexual activity is also not allowed on the property due to a deed restriction agreed upon in court.
