Michigan state representative reports spending campaign money at strip club

A state representative in Michigan spent campaign money at a strip club as part of a “constituent meeting” according to a new report. 

State Rep. Jewell Jones (D) spent $221 of his campaign money at a gentlemen’s club in the Detroit suburb of Dearborn in March during the meeting, which was described as one to discuss “potential economic projects,” according to the News. 

When a reporter at The Detroit News contacted Jones, the lawmaker described the Pantheion Club, where the meeting took place, as a “lounge” and explained he was not sure what kind of establishment the club was. 

“We have [to] meet people where they’re at some times … #HOLLA,” Jones said in a subsequent text message to the newspaper, before adding the club had “great lamb chops.”

Jones was arrested in April following a separate incident in which he drove his black Chevy Tahoe in and out of lanes along a state highway before crashing into a ditch. The News reported that when police officers responded to the scene, Jones told them he’d call the governor and that he had oversight of the Michigan State Police budget. 

The Democrat spent more than $6,400 at events dubbed “meetings” at various lounges and restaurants from Jan. 1 to July 20, according to his campaign finance statements, which were filed Monday.