Florida Man Arrested for Allegedly Running Up $650 Strip Club Tab Before Absconding, Cops Say

A unusual theft case has emerged in Florida, where a man has been accused of ‘laplifting.’ Instead of stealing material things, 46-year-old Roberto Maldonado was arrested for allegedly refusing to pay for lap dances at a strip club.

The incident occurred in the early hours of March 13 when Roberto Maldonado went to Reign Gentlemen's Club in Clearwater. At the club, Maldonado reportedly spent five hours and received 15 private dances from a dancer.

Each dance cost Maldonado $40, bringing the total to $600. An additional $50 fee was also added to the bill, and Maldonado was asked to pay $650. However, Maldonado allegedly refused to pay the bill and instead offered only $50 to the dancer. When club staff asked him to settle the full amount, he declined to pay anything.

The arrest affidavit read, “The total value of the services provided was approximately $600. An additional review fee brought the total amount owed to $650 after the services were completed. The employee requested payment from the defendant for the services rendered the defendant refused to pay the total amount owed and stated he would only pay $50. The defendant subsequently refused to pay any amount.”

Police were called to the scene at about 1:15 a.m. local time to resolve the dispute. As officers tried to explain the situation to Maldonado and asked him to pay for the services he had availed, he allegedly appeared to be under influence and spoke incoherently.

An officer said in the affidavit, “I made contact with the defendant and explained that payment was required for the services he had requested and received. The defendant appeared to be under the influence and spoke incoherently, repeatedly changing his statements and speaking in circles.”

Police said they repeatedly asked Maldonado to pay the club, but he refused. Officers eventually arrested him and charged him with misdemeanor theft. “Despite being advised multiple times that he was required to pay for the services he had received, the defendant refused to make any effort to pay the outstanding balance,” the affidavit said.

Maldonado was booked into the county jail but has since been released on his own recognizance. As part of the release conditions, a judge ordered him not to visit Reign Gentleman's Club or any other similar venue in the county. He was also ordered not to consume alcohol or illegal drugs.

Additionally, Maldonado must submit to alcohol or drug testing if requested by law enforcement.

The incident has sparked reactions on social media, where users have jokingly referred to the case as 'laplifting.'

One person wrote on Facebook, “Imagine being asked what you’re in for, and your answer is not wanting to pay for your lap dances.” Another joked, “Seems like the type of gentleman who’d rent a car and never return it.”