Surveillance video captured footage of the robber in West Los Angeles. (photo courtesy of the LAPD)

A routine check of a business use permit led to the arrests of more than 80 people on Nov. 5 at the 907 Club at 9th and Hill Street, downtown. The operation also uncovered drugs, large amounts of cash and alcohol at the club.

Los Angeles Police Department vice officers concluded a nearly four-month investigation into illegal activities at the 907 Club. It began after a routine check of conditional use permit requirements. Vice investigators found six employees in possession of fraudulent California identifications, which included using the identities of real persons and their driver’s license numbers.  Investigators also learned a 17-year-old girl, who had been reported missing by her parents, might be working in the club.

Over the course of the investigation, undercover officers found more violations during four separate inspections. Among the violations were overcrowding, lewd acts being performed, and alcohol dispensing.

The club’s conditional use permit strictly prohibits the serving of alcohol and does not allow nudity or other adult entertainment.  During the course of the investigation, the LAPD learned U. S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigation (HSI) agents were already conducting their own investigation into potential federal violations at the club involving the creation and use of fraudulent identifications to gain employment status. Vice officers obtained a search warrant after developing information that the business may be a front for prostitution, in violation of labor laws and possibly involved in human trafficking.

Vice officers arrested 88 individuals, all employees, including 81 women and seven men. They were booked on charges including conspiracy to commit prostitution, possession of fraudulent identification, various gambling violations and violation of the conditional use permit. Under that permit, the 907 Club is allowed to have a maximum capacity of 250 patrons.  When police arrived, they found more than 400 persons inside.  Officers also seized more than $100,000 in cash, as well as cocaine, condoms and liquor.