Male ‘slaves’ Auctioned (Press, 13 April 1976)
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Summary: Male ‘slaves’ Auctioned (Press, 13 April 1976)
On 12 April 1976, undercover police agents conducted a raid on a male-slave auction taking place at the Mark IV health club in Los Angeles, resulting in the arrest of 40 individuals on charges of involuntary servitude. Captain Jack Wilson of the Los Angeles Vice Squad reported that the operation involved 65 officers who acted on a tip about the auction. During the raid, police found a setting equipped with dungeons and cell-blocks, designed to accommodate the bizarre auction activities. Captain Wilson elaborated that the auction had a stage on the club's patio, where "slaves" were presented to potential buyers by an auctioneer. Despite the terminology used, the individuals sold as "slaves" were reportedly willing participants. They were paraded for inspection, and after the auction, these individuals typically remained under the control of their buyers for a period of 24 hours. The gathering was organised by a group identifying themselves as the Leather Fraternity, who operated the Mark IV as a private club catering to homosexuals and those involved in sado-masochistic practices. The investigation into the auction began weeks prior when literature promoting the event began circulating. At the time of the raid, over 200 individuals were present in the club. The 40 arrests included charges under a slavery statute, while two additional arrests were made based on outstanding traffic warrants. Bail for those charged with involuntary servitude was set at NZ$5,000, a law traditionally utilised in cases involving male pimps selling female prostitutes. Conviction under such statutes could impose a prison sentence that varies from one to ten years.
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