WEST MONROE, LA – Ouachita Parish authorities have shut down three stores that sell sex toys and videos, arresting the owners.

Alvena K. Johnson, 70, of Monroe and a West Monroe couple, Bobby Joe Tremaine, 36, and Lori Scott Tremaine, 36, were arrested Thursday.

Johnson was booked on two counts of promotion or wholesale promotion of obscene devices. She is the owner of the Fun Depot in Monroe.

The Tremaines were each booked on four counts of promotion or wholesale promotion of obscene devices.

They own stores in West Monroe and the Swartz area.

Maj. Jay Russell said the Sheriff’s Office began an undercover investigation after receiving complaints from neighbors when the West Monroe Red Door opened recently. “People that saw it opening up didn’t want them in and around their communities,” Russell said.

Assistant District Attorney Neal Johnson, who represents the Sheriff’s Office, said the sale, not possession of the items, including sex toys, illicit videos, novelty items and gag gifts, is illegal.

“You can put it in your night stand, but you can’t sell it,” Johnson said.

Bond has been set at $3,500 per count.

Promotion of obscene devices carries a sentence of six months to three years in prison and a fine of up to $2,500.