Three charged with bootlegging in Cedar Rapids

Three men were charged last week with bootlegging from a house on Third Avenue SE, which operates as “Club Xclusive,” where police say people buy memberships for alcoholic drinks.

The men charged are: Derrick Akines, 27, and Brent Werner, 31, both of Cedar Rapids; and James A. Sims, 29, of Harvey, Ill. The men were charged July 6 and accused of taking part in the sale and offering of alcohol without a license at Club Xclusive, 713 Third Ave. SE in Cedar Rapids.

Bootlegging is a serious misdemeanor and the men each face up to one year in jail and up to a $1,500 fine.

According to a search warrant of Club Xclusive filed in Linn County District Court earlier this month, police have responded to 29 calls at the address between May 1 to June 23. The callers reported intoxicated people, domestic assault, assault, disturbance and robbery.

Club owner, Edgar Haynes, who rents the property, told police he sells memberships for alcoholic drinks, according to the search warrant. There are three memberships sold – Student, Gold and Platinum – according to a flyer advertising the club.

Cedar Rapids Police Sgt. Cristy Hamblin said no other details are available. The investigation continues.

Bootlegging isn't a common charge but it has been used over the years, according to data  from the Linn County Attorney's Office. There have been 11 cases from 1998 to 2010. Some of the cases had co-defendants and about 17 people were charged with the misdemeanor.