Michelle Basch, wtop.com
WASHINGTON – Two operators of a nightclub tied to deadly violence in our region appeared in court Wednesday.
Eric Pickens and Darryl Robinson pleaded guilty to charges of operating a dance hall without a license.
They were charged under a law that took effect in Prince George’s County in July of last year.
Each was sentenced to probation and fines.
“Washington D.C. has enacted the same legislation, and what we’re finding is that many of those businesses are pushing into Prince George’s County because they find us to be the point of least resistance,” says State’s Attorney Angela Alsobrooks.
The club called MSG on Central Avenue in Capital Heights was shut down by the county in August, two days after a drive-by shooting left 20-year-old Jasmine Banks dead and a 19-year-old man hurt.
Investigators say the club has been the scene of several violent acts over the years, and has operated under three different names.
After the sentencing, Banks’ mother Rochelle Banks was asked how she felt.
“Thankful that no other parent will have to go through this,” she said.
About 11 nightclubs in the county have been closed since the new law was enacted, although some have since reopened.
Also, Brooks says the crackdown will continue.
“We’re changing the way that we do business in Prince George’s County,” she said. “We want your business, but make sure that nobody dies in the process.”
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