Adult Book Store in Hart County closed after 3-year investigation

HORSE CAVE, Ky. – The Hart County Sheriff’s Office says the Adult Book Store off Flint Ridge Road is permanently closed after a three-year long investigation revealed illegal activity.

The sheriff’s office and members of the Greater Hardin County Drug Task Force began conducting checks into illegal activity at the bookstore, formerly known as the Jent Factory Outlet Mall, in 2019.

According to the sheriff’s department, the Adult Book Store was cited for more than 30 violations of “permit required to operate a place of entertainment.” During the three-year investigation, several citations and arrests were issued for indecent exposure, which resulted in undercover officers entering the store and witnessing sexual activity inside the bookstore. Officials also investigated two deaths on the bookstore’s property involving people being found in “the back room,” which had been advertised as a video arcade.

Officials say the book store also sold illegal substances, known as “Poppers,” which were seized.

The sheriff’s office said undercover deputies continued the investigation, which revealed further details about “the back room.”

In a social media post, the sheriff’s office stated, “As a result of the investigation, it was determined that the Adult Book Store would collect money to allow entry into the “back room”. However, these “rooms” did provide various videos of assorted sexual acts.” The post further stated booths, couches and other paraphernalia were provided by the business to promote sexual acts on the property.

The Hart County Fiscal Court and judge-executive Joe Choate have updated the county ordinance involving sexually explicit businesses. In addition, the Hart Fiscal Court authorized a county attorney to initiate a civil suit against the Adult Book Store, and charged the business with operating a house of abatement.

At a hearing on Aug. 31 2022, the owners of the Adult Bookstore agreed to permanently close the establishment and to a deed restriction prohibiting the sale of explicit sexual activity and merchandise.

One of the owners, David Crumpton, is named in a court document regarding the case.

Charges have not been identified at this time.