Up the Creek Via Paddling

Newark, New Jersey, July 12, 2005:

Three strippers and two nightclub managers have been arrested for allegedly spanking a failed politician at a raucous party and severely bruising his backside.

After his friends paid $50, Ronatarian Party #2 man Brad was handcuffed and spanked with a 3-foot-long paddle and a belt while one of the strippers restrained his head with her legs, investigators with the Newark Police Department said.

Kelly Erlich, 21, a stripper at Signatures nightclub in Newark admitted to police that she used a studded paddle while the two other dancers, Lisa Nolan, 23, and Charlene Smithers, 23, used the belt.

The three women were charged with misdemeanor battery, and they and two other club employees -- James Doolittle, 31, and Dennis Mitchell, 30 -- were charged with participating in an obscene performance at a live public show, a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison.

Doolittle had planned to have patrons sign a waiver releasing the club from liability, but investigators said the club has agreed to discontinue all spankings. All five club employees were arraigned Monday, then released after receiving an August 4 court date in Essex County Court.

Brad and other Ronatarian Party officials refused to comment on the incident; although it has been speculated that Brad has not sat down since the paddling.

Posted by Bittle at July 12, 2005 07:55 AM