Obscenity Charges Against Lion’s Den Thrown Out

ABILENE, Kan. — A controversial obscenity case involving one of the nation’s largest adult retail chains may be coming to a close after more than two years. A Kansas judge yesterday dismissed 10 obscenity counts against the Lion’s Den Adult Superstore, saying the state’s obscenity law used to persecute the store is unconstitutional.

The ruling could be a major blow to prosecutors throughout the state, who have made pornography a priority.

The case dates back to April of 2003, when District Attorney Keith Hoffman filed a 29-count indictment against Lion’s Den, claiming the store was illegally promoting obscenity by selling sexual devices. About two-thirds of the charges were dropped after Lion’s Den counter-sued.

The state has been a breeding ground for anti-porn forces, and religious groups — in particular, Citizens for Strengthening Community Values — who have been instrumental in convincing prosecutors to go after the store.

The group’s leader, Phillip Cosby, called out state officials in local newspapers, spearheaded a petition campaign and even recruited like-minded retirees to threaten motorists that they would tattle to their bosses and wives if they stopped at the store.

Hoffman responded by using a city ordinance on adult businesses to file obscenity charges against the store. Lawyers for the chain, which operates more than 25 stores in 13 Midwest states, promptly fired back with their own lawsuit claiming the ordinance was unconstitutional.

Judge Robert Innes this week threw out the state’s case, saying the ordinance is flawed. He pointed to a 1990 case in which the state Supreme Court ruled that state law forbids the legislature from declaring a device obscene solely on the basis that it relates to human sexuality.

The law was later changed to address the court’s decision, but Innes said the language was still overbroad.

Hoffman did not indicate whether planned to appeal the decision, but instead called on lawmakers to revise the state’s obscenity laws, saying prosecution will be difficult until they do.

However, Cosby, whose group is pressuring prosecutors in other Kansas communities to enforce those same laws, downplayed the decision.

“To say this one county judge dealt a fatal blow is quite an exaggeration,” Cosby said. “We’ve been discouraged before. We can’t give up. I’ve learned patience and persistence.”

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

FSC: Age-Verification Laws Go Into Effect South Dakota, Georgia, Wyoming on July 1

The Free Speech Coalition (FSC) has published a statement regarding new age verification laws set to go into effect tomorrow in South Dakota, Georgia, and Wyoming.

Leana Lovings, Shay Sights Front 'Substance' Parody From Brazzers

Leana Lovings stars with Shay Sights in the latest release from Brazzers, a parody of "The Substance.”

FSC Responds to Supreme Court Decision on Texas AV Law

The Free Speech Coalition (FSC) has released a statement responding to last week's Supreme Court decision on FSC v. Paxton, the Texas age verification law.

Little Puck Stars in Latest Episode of 'The Bottom Floor' From Adult Time

Little Puck stars in the second episode of Adult Time series “The Bottom Floor,” titled “The Second Coming.”

Haley Spades Stars in Latest From Immoral

Haley Spades stars with Charlie Dean, Matt Bird, and Dean Van Damme in a new three-part release from Immoral Productions, directed by "Porno Dan" Leal.

Octavia Red Makes Her Vampired Debut

Octavia Red has made her Vampired debut alongside Talia Mint and 2023 XMA Europas Female Performer of the Year Tiffany Tatum in the new feature “Hunters.”

Lily Starfire Fronts Latest From Brazzers

Lily Starfire stars with Kyle Mason in the latest release from Brazzers, titled "Eating Ass Is the Game."

Le Wand's 'Petite' Highlighted in NY Magazine Article

Le Wand’s Petite massage wand has been recognized in NY Magazine's The Strategist round-up of top-rated massagers.

Country Hotwife Makes Her WIFEY Debut

Content creator Country Hotwife has made her debut for Vixen Media Group (VMG) studio imprint WIFEY, alongside her husband StagHubby and former XMAs Male Performer of the Year Isiah Maxwell.

Vixen Media Group Celebrates 10 Years of 'Tushy'

Vixen Media Group (VMG) is celebrating the 10-year anniversary of studio imprint Tushy.

Show More