A Flomaton businessman was arrested this week and faces charges of distributing pornography at his downtown barber shop.
Garvin Chancery, owner of Gene’s Barber Shop at 221 Palafox St., in downtown Flomaton, was arrested and charged with distribution of obscene material after Flomaton police officers completed an undercover investigation. Under Alabama law, the charge is a misdemeanor; a subsequent instance would result in a felony. The misdemeanor charge would be punishable by fine or a year in prison.
Flomaton Police Chief Geoff McGraw said the investigation began several weeks ago.
“We had been receiving some complaints about pornographic materials being sold at the shop,” McGraw said. “We began our undercover investigation and it was revealed that he was selling pornography from the shop.”
Although McGraw declined comment on the content of the material found in the investigation, the chief said pornography including DVDs and other video material was discovered at the scene.
“This business is right next door to a church, too,” McGraw said. “They are less than three feet from the door of the church.”
Chancery’s arrest has generated controversy in Flomaton, with many online comments coming in defense of the businessman.
McGraw said the arrest was not the end of the investigation into the case.
“This is still in the premature stage at this time,” McGraw said Friday. “We are looking into all aspects of the case to determine the extent of the activity there.”
Although McGraw was not specific, he did say other charges may be possible in the case.
Chancery was charged and released at the Palafox Street location at the time of the arrest, McGraw said.
He is expected to appear in court in April.