PA Trooper Who Owns Strip Club Faces Prostitution, Gambling Charges

A Pennsylvania state trooper faces serious charges stemming from a gentlemen's club police said he co-owned in Lackawanna County.

Robert Covington Jr., 38, was among four individuals accused of operating a corrupt organization involving prostitution, gambling and money laundering following an investigation into the Sinners Swing Gentlemen's Club, CBS Pittsburgh reports.

Covington's full charges included corrupt organizations; criminal conspiracy; prostitution and related offenses; gambling devices, gambling etc., dealing in proceeds of unlawful activities, criminal use of a communication facility; unsworn falsification to authorities; and financial interest statement violation, ABC 27 reports.

Police said Covington was on restricted duty while the investigation was taking place and has since been suspended without pay after being charged. David Klem, Michael Ball and Deanna Tallo were also charged following the 17-month investigation into the Sinners Swing Gentlemen's Club.

All four individuals surrendered to police on Thursday (February 11), CBS Pittsburgh.

“Members of the PSP take an oath to seek justice without consideration of class, color, creed, or condition, and that means conducting thorough and unbiased investigations into our own troopers when necessary,” said Colonel Robert Evanchick, commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Police in a statement obtained by CBS Pittsburgh. “The criminal conduct uncovered in this case betrays the trust of the communities we serve, and we hope the investigation and the resulting charges demonstrate our department’s commitment to fairness and transparency.”

Photo: Google Earth/Pennsylvania State Police