DETROIT, Nov. 14 (UPI) -- U.S. prosecutors are investigating allegations on-duty officers provided services for a now-closed Detroit sex club, police sources told the Detroit News.
Investigators questioned police officers about allegations security and limousine service to and from the Forest Club, an invitation-only swingers' club about 1,000 feet from Central District police headquarters, was offered by on-duty policemen, an unnamed source familiar with the investigation told the News.
The federal probe began before a Detroit police internal affairs investigation, into possible police misconduct at the club, was launched two weeks ago, the newspaper said Wednesday, adding the club closed last winter.
The police investigation was initiated after Interim Chief Chester Logan received a report the Forest Club might be selling liquor illegally, and police officers were possibly providing security at the establishment. The Forest Club's website, still available online, refers to the club as an "upscale venue" with "14 large private rooms, a dungeon area and 2 group rooms," the newspaper said.
An unnamed police lieutenant noted the club did not have a liquor license, contacted the owner and was told, "If you come here, don't be surprised to find a bunch of Detroit cops. They work here as security," the source told the newspaper.
The lieutenant's report was forwarded to Detroit mayor Dave Bing, who ordered an investigation to learn why supervisors failed to act on the report, the newspaper said.
"The Detroit Police investigation is ongoing," said the mayor's spokesman, Anthony Neely, adding he was unaware of the federal probe.
