By Daily Mail (U.S.) | Created at 2025-03-23 13:46:35 | Updated at 2025-04-05 01:05:33
1 week ago
A broke punter is accused of 'stealing' $160 worth of lap dances from a strip club after he failed to produce the money to pay for them.
John Elberson, 39, was arrested at 1.41am on March 11 at his home in Apollo Bay, Florida, about 10 minutes after he fled the club.
He went to Reign Ladies and Gentlemen's Club in nearby Clearwater, across the water from Tampa Bay, and had several lap dances from strippers.
But when he finished, he told staff he 'did not have the funds to pay for the services he received' and left without settling his bill, the complaint alleged.
Police wrote on the complaint that Elberson appeared to be under the influence of alcohol, but hadn't taken any drugs.
The complaint accused him of 'intent to appropriate the property' and called the lap dances 'the property of Reign Ladies and Gents'.
John Elberson, 39, (pictured with his very forgiving girlfriend Brittney Parks-Hutchinson) is accused of 'stealing' $160 worth of lap dances from a strip club
Elberson went to Reign Ladies and Gentlemen's Club (pictured) and had several lap dances from strippers - without the money to pay for them
Elberson was charged with petty theft and languished 12 hours in jail before the Pinellas County Circuit Court released him without bond.
The father-of-five initially drew the ire of his longtime girlfriend Brittney Parks-Hutchinson, who posted an enraged meme on social media hours later.
'Forgive and forget? Nah... f**k that bulls**t, they knew exactly wtf they were doing,' it read. But by March 15 she had cooled down.
'No matter what we love each other period s**t happens life happens but when you know you know,' she wrote next to a photo of them together.
The club claims to be the biggest in Clearwater with 7,000sqft of floor space, including a 'Private Sky Box' and VIP rooms Elberson made use of.
'Prepare to be amazed as we introduce you to a nightlife experience like no other,' its website boasted.
Elberson was charged with petty theft and languished 12 hours in jail before the Pinellas County Circuit Court released him without bond
The club claims to be the biggest in Clearwater with 7,000sqft of floor space, including a 'Private Sky Box' and VIP rooms Elberson made use of
'Every detail has been meticulously designed to create an ambiance that exudes elegance and sophistication.
'From the lavish furnishings to the dazzling chandeliers, every corner of our venue radiates an air of exclusivity.'
Local media called it one of the best places to celebrate St Patrick's Day or New Year's Eve.
