Kenneth Denning, Sex Trafficking, Connecticut 2023

GRIMY TIMES EXCLUSIVE: Kenneth Denning, owner of Electric Blue club in Tolland, Connecticut, was arrested today on 12 counts of sex trafficking and related crimes. Denning, 67, of Holland, Massachusetts, was charged along with Joshua Baker, 41, of Willimantic, Connecticut, the club’s manager and accountant, and William Mayo, 41, of Manchester, Connecticut, the club’s doorman and primary recruiter of female dancers.

The investigation, led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut, uncovered a semi-private erotic dance room and VIP areas at Electric Blue where women performed commercial sex acts for clients. The defendants collected cash from cover charges, tips, and other sources, which they used to fund their personal expenses and business costs.

According to the indictment, Denning, Baker, and Mayo failed to report $5.7 million in income to the IRS, resulting in a $2 million tax payment shortfall. The defendants used the cash to pay their personal expenses, including visits to casinos. Denning received a $150,000 EIDL loan during the COVID-19 pandemic, which he misrepresented to obtain.

The investigation found that the club’s profits came from commercial sex acts, not legitimate business activities. The defendants face up to 20 years in prison if convicted.

Denning, Baker, and Mayo are charged with conspiracy to commit sex trafficking, conspiracy to commit forced labor, and conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Denning is also charged with participating in a monetary transaction with proceeds from prostitution. Baker and Mayo are charged with conspiracy to commit money laundering and conspiracy to commit tax evasion.

The case is ongoing, and the defendants are scheduled to appear in federal court in Hartford on June 17, 2023. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut is leading the investigation, with assistance from the FBI, IRS, and Connecticut State Police.