According to reports, a man from La Porte is being accused of operating a full-service bar in his residence, complete with food and gambling options.
La Porte Circuit Court has pressed charges against 45-year-old Scott Meece. He is being charged with a level 6 felony for maintaining a common nuisance. Additionally, he faces two misdemeanor counts for selling alcohol beverages without a permit and unauthorized furnishing of alcoholic beverages.
As per the legal records, an undercover officer conducted a months-long investigation, which involved buying beer at different times from the “Iron Horse Saloon” located in a residence situated in the 100 block of West McClung Road. A single beer cost $2, while a mixed drink was priced at $3.
According to authorities, the bar had roughly 15 patrons present during each visit, many of whom were sporting leather jackets and “Iron Horse Saloon” shirts. Additionally, men and women were taking on the roles of bartenders in what appeared to be a form of role-playing. Police noted that each individual was required to pay a $10 cover charge upon entry and their IDs were checked to ensure they were at least 21 years of age.
According to the police, a game was organized that required a buy-in of $20, and the winner had the option to choose either a cash prize or a motorcycle. Additionally, attendees were offered the opportunity to purchase two sloppy joes and chips for $5.
Police got involved in the case when Meece chose to ignore a couple of cease and desist orders from the La Porte County Health Department for running an unlicensed business, as per the court documents.
During a search of the home on June 14th, the police confiscated over 200 bottles of various brand name alcoholic beverages, including beer, hard lemonade, whiskey, tequila, vodka, and rum.
Law enforcement officials were not surprised to find a multitude of marijuana products seized during the investigation, as the distinct odor of the drug was detected during the undercover operation.
As per the court records, Meece informed the investigators that the bar operated as a not-for-profit establishment, and no alcohol was sold. Instead, the funds gathered for drinks were considered donations for various charitable causes. Additionally, Meece contended that his supposed patrons were his close friends and family members who brought their own alcohol during their weekend visits.
According to the police, while conducting the search, they discovered log books that contained records of alcoholic beverages along with their profit margins.
