I’ve always been a little suspicious of authority figures, at least, when it’s real people armed with a bit of power. In the confines of an S&M scenario, there’s always a safe word and unspoken bond of trust between the participants. Generally, one also has some idea of what to expect and what the games are all about even if they’re not scripted beforehand. Real life however has no such premise even when it should.

Everyone knows that even a little power can corrupt and that people who risk their lives to protect the wellbeing of others are usually very brave but unfortunately, sometimes they’re also a bit crazy. MoreTV32.com (05/17/06) states that Baltimore’s WBAL-TV reported that when an SUV carrying three male exotic dancers and their female driver was stopped for speeding by the Maryland Transportation Authority Police on March 4, 2006, they were subjected to some unusual treatment.

A defense lawyer for the occupants of the SUV claims that the police made the male strippers strip and pose for pictures before confiscating $10 000 US the nude dancers had earned as tips from a Philadelphia gig they had just finished before being pulled over on their way to Washington, DC for their next performance.

“I feel very violated. Not only did he make us take our clothes off but before asking me to take my clothes off, he said, ‘I’m not gay.’ That’s very uncomfortable,” explained Edward Cloyd, one of the three performers.

Officers had charged the men with misdemeanor, drug possession offenses but Baltimore prosecutors confirmed for WBAL-TV that judges later dropped those charges.

Meanwhile, an MdTA representative confirms $9645 was located in a department bank account but also says that no one ever asked to have the money back.

It sounds like that spokesperson is another shiny penny in the Maryland fountain of justice. The strippers are now suing MdTA for $5 million US, so less than ten grand inappropriately held besides collaborating accusations of misconduct seems a down payment on what the department may be “asked” to pay. Who’s loosing their shirts now?