Update: Seven charged in connection to Myrtle Beach strip club prostitution investigation
Widowers, a ex-CCU cheerleader, business owners and people with strong ties to to the community are how lawyers described the seven people charged in connection to a prostitution investigation at a Myrtle Beach strip club.
The seven suspects were in Myrtle Beach court on Saturday morning for their first appearance since a Friday raid at Derriere’s Gentlemen’s Club, 804 Seaboard St., on Friday. Police filed more than 600 arrest warrants in connection to their investigation.
Officers say they documented more than 200 acts of prostitution at the club.
Myrtle Beach police started their investigation after a New Year’s Day shooting that left one hurt. Authorities say some of the staff tried to clean up the scene and delayed calling 911. That investigation uncovered additional, alleged criminal activity at Derriere’s. Officers say the employees participated in, or helped facilitate, the prostitution at the club.
Authorities described the strip club as acting like a “brothel.”
“Myrtle Beach does not want this kind of behavior in our city,” Police Chief Amy Prock said during the bond hearings.
Every count police levied is a municipal court charge, which carry a punishment of up to 30 years in jail. The suspects currently have a trial date for August, and each suspect was released on personal recognizance. Those charged were:
- David Joseph Bean, 66, of Myrtle Beach, with 183 counts of prostitution and failure to report an emergency, a charge in connection to a New Year’s Day shooting. Dean is an owner of Derriere’s, according to court records.
- Jacey Lynne Birch, 41, of Conway, with 183 counts of prostitution and failure to report an emergency, a charge in connection to a New Year’s Day shooting. Has ties to Horry County.
- Joseph Bryan Hargadon, 62, of Longs, with 61 counts of prostitution. Has ties to clubs in Miami, but has lived in Horry County for years.
- Heather Gay Beall, 35, of North Myrtle Beach, with 31 counts of prostitution. A medical professional and widow with ties to Horry County, her lawyer said.
- Matthew Jason Gough, 33, of Myrtle Beach with 21 counts of prostitution. He is a former Socastee High School student and ex-CCU cheerleader, his lawyer said.
- Elisza Blu Rivera, 30, of Miami, with 16 counts of prostitution. She lives in Myrtle Beach and travels between the Grand Strand and Miami, her lawyer said.
- Alexis Gail Morris, 21, of Conway with two counts of prostitution and she has ties to Horry County.
This story was originally published February 21, 2020 at 7:20 PM.
