Adult film actress Stormy Daniels, who fell into the national spotlight after having an alleged affair with President Donald Trump in 2006, was arrested earlier this week and charged with three misdemeanor counts of illegally touching a patron, Vice reports, though the charges were dropped on Thursday afternoon.
Daniels, who’s legal name is Stephanie Clifford was scheduled to perform at The Siren’s Gentlemen Group in Columbus, Ohio on Wednesday and Thursday of this week. Her lawyer Michael Avenatti posted a series of tweets shortly after her arrest heavily criticizing the local law enforcement for even dedicating time to this. He called it a “setup.”
She was arrested for allegedly allowing a customer to touch her while on stage in a non sexual manner! Are you kidding me? They are devoting law enforcement resources to sting operations for this? There has to be higher priorities!!! #SetUp#Basta
— Michael Avenatti (@MichaelAvenatti) July 12, 2018
In 2007, the state of Ohio passed a law that prohibits any employee who regularly appears nude or seminude, “from touching patrons on the premises of a sexually oriented business -- unless it's a family member,” CNN reports.
According to undercover detectives, Daniels removed her top and then forced patrons faces into her chest. She was reportedly also seen fondling other female patrons breasts. When the undercover detectives approached the stage, CNN reports that Daniels, “made her way toward two detectives, leaned over and grabbed their faces. She shoved each of their faces between her breasts.”
Daniels was arrested on Wednesday evening and released Thursday morning at 6:30 am. All the charges against her were dropped. Avenatti says she will not be preforming at Sirens on Thursday night.
The Columbus Police Department released a statement that said the arrest of Daniels, was a part of, “a long-term investigation into allegations of human trafficking, prostitution, & other vice related violations.” The department also stated that they have made multiple arrests based on this law when they began to hear of the illegal activity that was occurring.
Daniels is currently suing President Donald and his lawyer Michael Cohen, who allegedly paid her $130,000 in hush money shortly before the 2016 Presidential election. Her lawyer says the money came directly from campaign funds, President Donald Trump says he reimbursed Cohen.