Adult Store Owner 'Dr. John' Running for Office

LINCOLN, Neb. — Sex shop owner John Haltom — whose Doctor John's Lingerie Boutique stores have been the focus of controversy and legal action through the Midwest — is running for City Council in Lincoln, even though his past obscenity convictions may be a stumbling block.

Halton's Utah felony conviction may make him ineligible to run for local office in Nebraska without first getting a pardon. Haltom was sentenced to 30 days in jail in Salt Lake City and three years of probation in January 2004 after being convicted of selling pornography to a minor in a 2000 police sting. He also served a nine-month jail term in Omaha in 2003 for selling obscenity, a misdemeanor.

The Nebraska Constitution bars those convicted of a felony from holding public office without first having their civil rights restored. Lancaster County Election Commissioner David Shively said the law would allow a challenge of Haltom's candidacy based on his apparent criminal record.

Shively said he accepted Haltom's filing for office because he is registered to vote, as required to run for office; and because he was unaware that Haltom had been convicted of a felony.

Haltom freely acknowledged his felony background when interviewed this week about his candidacy. He said he became eligible to vote in Nebraska in January under a state law that allows convicted felons to return to the polls two years after completing their sentence.

Haltom owns four Doctor John's stores, which sell lingerie, adult videos and sexual aids in Grand Island, Lincoln and Omaha, Neb.; he also has two stores in St. Louis, Mo.; and one in Illinois. He owns four similar stores in partnership with his parents in Missouri. Seven other Dr. John's stores, in Utah, Iowa and Colorado, went to his partner when they divided their business.

"Just because I sell adult material, I'm not a sleazebag," he said. "The people that buy my materials are married and have kids. They use it to spice up their lives."

Haltom lived in Omaha, California and Utah before opening his first Lincoln store about seven years ago. He lives in Lincoln now and said he likes Lincoln partly because he never has been prosecuted for obscenity there but mostly because he thinks it's a good community.

"Omaha's been very good to me, but I like Lincoln because it's smaller and has a small-town feeling," he said. "It's got that Mayberry feeling."

Haltom, who proudly points out that the adult industry has led efforts to protect the 1st Amendment in the U.S., said he feels it's time for him to move on to other fights, to control government spending and taxes.

"I've been fighting for the right for adults to be able to watch whatever they want to watch in their homes," he said. "To me, that fight's over with."

Related:  

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

Eva Angelina on Stepping Back Into the Spotlight With Purpose

Eva Angelina is back in front of the camera, stronger and sharper than ever. Making her triumphant return in her own inimitable badass style, the veteran performer recently reentered the industry not just with a bang, but a dazzling signal flare.

Cassie Del Isla, Ama Rio Topline Latest 'Secret Lesbian Diaries'

Cassie Del Isla and Ama Rio headline the 15th volume of "Secret Lesbian Diaries" from Girlfriends Films.

Cailey Katt Fronts Latest From GroobyVR

Cailey Katt stars alongside Luke London in the latest release from GroobyVR, titled "A Katt in Your Lap."

Madi Collins Signs Exclusive Contract With Vixen Media Group

Vixen Media Group (VMG) has signed Madi Collins to an exclusive contract.

Zariah Aura Leads Latest From Transfixed

Zariah Aura stars with Summer Col and Robby Apples in the latest release from Transfixed, titled “Catching His Cheating Girlfriend.”

Penny Barber Featured in Latest From Kink.com

Reigning XMAs MILF Performer of the Year Penny Barber stars with Max Mabry in the new scene from Kink.com, titled “Mommy’s Cock-Hungry Hole.”

Yhivi, Ryan Reid Star in 'Pornstar Matchmaker: Episode 2' From Brazzers

Yhivi stars with Ryan Reid and 2024 XMA Europas Male Performer of the Year Christian Clay in the second episode of the new Brazzers series, “Pornstar Matchmaker.”

River Lynn Leads 'The Fucket List: Pizza With A Side Of Nuru' From Adult Time

River Lynn stars with Axel Haze in the latest Jim Powers-helmed scene "The Fucket List: Pizza With A Side Of Nuru," from studio brand Nuru Massage.

Avery Lust, Cliff Jensen Star in Latest From TransSensual

Avery Lust and Cliff Jensen star in the latest release from Mile High Media studio imprint TransSensual.

Brittany Andrews Stars in Latest From Brazzers

Brittany Andrews stars with Ricky Johnson in the latest release from Brazzers, titled “Leather and Bubble Butts.”

Show More