Yellow tape surrounds two businesses owned by Sam Stimmel in North Webster, following a police raid late Wednesday evening (Photo by Deb Patterson)

Officers working with the Centralized Drug Enforcement of Kosciusko County concluded an intensive investigation early this morning. The investigation was originally initiated in July.

Officers initially conducted a raid at a local Warsaw hotel establishment Wednesday evening. This raid resulted in the arrest of four individuals involved in the promotion of prostitution, which had stemmed from an October investigation by undercover officers involving “exotic” dancers.

Officers with the Centralized Drug Enforcement systematically executed search warrants at Stimmelator’s Gentleman’s Club, 114 E. Washington St., and California Dreamin’, 108 E. Washington St., North Webster, shortly after midnight.

Officers located and seized a substantial amount of synthetic drugs or synthetic drug look-a-like substances, as well as a substantial amount of cash.

Officer also executed a search warrant for a semi-trailer located behind Stimmelator’s Gentleman’s Club, as well as served an active felony warrant for the owner, Samuel Scott Stimmel, 64, on preliminary charges of corrupt business influence.

Stimmel was subsequently charged with felony promoting prostitution during this morning’s investigation. His bond was set at $100,000 on the corrupt business influence charge and he has since bonded out.

The four individuals arrested on preliminary felony charges of promoting prostitution and held on individual $5,000 bonds surety are:

• Donn Lee Rupert, 51, 116 E. Fairview, South Bend
• Christine Marie Bennett, 27, 3902 N. 700 W., Warsaw
• Kelly Joe Whitman, 23, 2818 Elwood Ave., South Bend
• Kimberly Kay Gill , 32, 933 Roosevelt St., South Bend

Officers involved were from Syracuse, Warsaw, Pierceton and North Webster police departments, along with Indiana State Police and deputies from the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department.

The Kosciusko County Prosecutor’s Office advises that the defendant’s charge is merely an accusation and that the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.