Tyrone Adams, a professor of communications and journalism at UL Lafayette, was arrested and charged for allegedly soliciting prostitution after Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s narcotics officers and U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency officials found him Wednesday in the VIP room of Desperado's Gentleman's Cabaret.
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| Tyrone Adams |
Adams, 44, according to the arrest affidavit, was found in the company of Heather Kelley, 28.
The affidavit reads:
(Kelley) was wearing only a “G” string and (Adams) had no shoes on. (Adams) admitted that he had sexual relations with the female for $100. (Kelley) was also a employee of the business. (Adams) advised that he gave her $150 and she paid the house $50.
From 2008 to 2011 Adams held the Richard D’Aquin professorship in journalism, named for the former longtime Daily Advertiser publisher.
According to university spokesman Aaron Martin, Adams has been on paid leave for the fall semester. But Martin would not elaborate. “Adams has been on leave for the fall semester and has not been teaching the entire semester,” Martin says.
Sheriff’s Office spokesman Capt. Kip Judice says all questions regarding the federal investigation must be directed to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
U.S. Attorney Stephanie Finley, in a tersely worded statement, would only say that Wednesday’s raid is part of an ongoing federal investigation into Desperado’s owner James “Jim” Panos.
According to Finley, Panos was arrested and charged with “maintaining a drug-involved premises” at Desperado’s.
Panos' home is located on the 300 block of Iverness Lane in Le Triomphe; it remains unclear where he was arrested, though law enforcement did also pay a visit to his home Wednesday, according to a source in Le Triomphe.
Michael Broussard and Jennifer Panos (relationship unknown), according to affidavits, were arrested at the Iverness Lane home. She was charged with possession of cocaine, and Broussard was booked on an outstanding warrant. Both are being held at the Lafayette Parish Jail, while James Panos was booked into the St. Martin Parish Jail.
St. Martin Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman Maj. Ginnie Higgins says all questions pertaining to Panos must be directed to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Others arrested during the search of Desperado's include:
Tanja Clavier, 27, possession of schedule III narcotic with intent to distribute;
Crystal Sampy, 30, possession of schedule II and III narcotics with intent to distribute;
Brian Sampy, 30, outstanding warrant;
Louris Lenoir, 39, prohibited acts and possession of narcotics.
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