6/2/2014
A teenage girl ran away from home in Laredo but authorities found her working at a gentlemen's club just outside Alamo.
Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) agents arrested Ali Muñiz early Friday morning.
The 25-year-old is a manager with the Coliseum Gentlemen's Club off Sioux Road just north of Alamo.
Muñiz is now facing an employment harmful to children charge.
Under Texas state law, it is illegal for children under the age of 18 to work in a sexually-oriented business.
TABC agents told Action 4 News that they set up an undercover sting operation targeting the club after receiving complaints about it violating the law.
The bring-your-own-beer strip club legally features full frontal nudity but TABC agents reported seeing the 16-year-old girl clothed and working as a bartender.
Investigators learned the girl had been working there for at least two or three weeks.
Muñiz reportedly told agents that the girl told him she was 18 years old and even indicated it on her job application.
But investigators said Muñiz did not make the teen provide a copy of her driver's license or any other proof of age as required by state law.
TABC agents told Action 4 News that the girl is back with her family.
Muñiz was released from custody after posting a $5,000 bond.
The case is expected to be forwarded to the Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office for review.
Under Texas State Law, employment harmful to children is a Class A misdemeanor.
If convicted, Muñiz faces up to one year in jail and/or a $4,000 fine.
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