Storey County debates brothel closure

The Storey County Commission will hold a show-cause hearing June 2 to consider revoking the business license of the brothel in Lockwood.

Resident complaints about motorcycle activity and harassment plus the brothel's failure to pay its $8,000 business license fee have led the commission to evaluate David Burgess' prostitution business license.

"I think the citizens being harassed was certainly an issue," District Attorney Janet Hess said.

George Flint, director of the Nevada Brothel Association, believes rumors that the Hell's Angels motorcycle group has taken over Old Bridge Ranch is stirring resident discontent. Flint said Burgess last year became a Hell's Angel member but that the notorious motorcycle group has no involvement at the brothel.

"David has reassured me there is nothing to this rumor," Flint said. "I think David owes the commission an explanation. I really don't think it's true. I think David is still in command."

Burgess has had problems during the past year with the county and the Internal Revenue Service. In July, he filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection to stop an IRS seizure process on Old Bridge to collect $1 million in back taxes.

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