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Sunday, February 23, 1997

Members of freak show circus arrested

LUBBOCK (AP) - A traveling freak show was apparently a little too freaky for police.

Four members of the Jim Rose Circus, whose acts include hanging cinder blocks from hooks attached to their nipples, were arrested late Friday on a misdemeanor charge of breaking an adult entertainment ordinance.

"They're not your average circus, and they were definitely doing things that belong in a nightclub," Officer Mike Crain said Saturday.

After the group finished its act at a local concert venue, police arrested Jim Rose, Sheri Lee Cashen, Joseph Hermann and Jeffrey Brennan. The four are accused of violating a city ordinance that prohibits adult entertainment in certain areas and requires a license for adult entertainers, Crain said.

Cashen also was arrested for disorderly conduct for allegedly yelling profanities when the members were taken into custody, he said.

The performers were released on bond. All Cashen face a $500 fine; she could be ordered to pay $1,000.

Rose called Lubbock police "small town bullies" whose actions were out of line.

"They consider the Mexican Transvestite Wrestlers show simulating a sex act," Rose said in a statement. "It's certainly like no sex act I've ever seen."

Keith Christiensen, the circus' road manager, said police could have informed the group of the ordinance before the show, instead of sending in a "swat team of undercover cops."

"This is an infringement of our First Amendment rights," he said.

Crain said police learned of the circus' bizarre show from media coverage and planned to make sure they did not violate the ordinance.

The circus has made a name for itself by touring the nation and playing before such acts as Nine Inch Nails, the Rollins Band and performing at the annual Lollapalooza music festival.

The performers have also made an appearance on the "X-Files" and were depicted on "The Simpsons." Send a Letter to the Editor about This Story | Start or Join A Discussion about This Story
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