It is already one of the most controversial clubs in the city of Davenport, and now police say a manager at The Chorus Line committed a sex crime there.
Muhammad Hameed was arrested Wednesday morning. A criminal complaint alleges he supplied so much alcohol to a girl under 21 that she was "physically incapacitated and physically helpless". Police say he then had sex with her. And they say they have DNA evidence.
Detective Mark Dinneweth says, "She was a normal civilian walking into a business to go to a party that was sponsored." He says, "She paid the cover and went in, and now she is the alleged victim of sexual assault."
City leaders are already in litigation with Chorus Line management. Back in 2009, they turned down the club's application for an adult cabaret license, because it sits next to Dr. John's Lingerie Boutique. Per city code, there cannot be two adult businesses within 500 feet of each other. Chorus Line managers appealed. The case has been tied up in court ever since.
City leaders say this assault charge just adds another layer to heir concerns. In fact, Mayor Bill Gluba says, "This could be the straw that breaks the camel's back and ends their operation out here." He, and other council members have gone on the record as being opposed to The Chorus Line. They have said it is not the kind of business they want in Davenport.
So while the Mayor says he understands Hameed is innocent until proven guilty, this is a case city leaders will watch closely. Because they are licensed, "We expect these places to be at a higher standard," Gluba says. "They can't sell alcohol to minors, violate state law, have a felony conviction. There's a lot of requirements to be in this business. Certainly if he is judged to be guilty, that's another reason to lose your license."
Hameed's lawyer did not want to comment on camera. But he says his client maintains his innocence, and will do continue to do that Thursday morning. He will enter a not guilty plea in court. Hameed is charged with third degree sexual abuse. Police say, if convicted, he faces up to 10 years in prison.
