LITTLE TOKYO : Explicit Videotapes Are Seized by Police

Police recently raided a business in Little Tokyo and the Mid-City home of its owner to seize videotapes imported from Japan that allegedly depict sexual acts that may violate obscenity laws.

Investigators confiscated eight rental videos from the Tokyo Market at 339 E. 1st St. and then conducted a search of owner Young Chu’s home, said Los Angles Police Detective Steve Takeshita.

No arrests were made, but a report will be filed with the city attorney’s office, which will determine if criminal charges should be brought against Chu.

Chu, who was out of the country when his video store and home were served with the search warrants, could not be reached for comment.

The store manager, who requested anonymity, said that Chu responded to the raids by ordering his employees to search the store’s shelves and remove any videos that might be deemed obscene.

“I wish (authorities) would have just given us notice that the material was illegal instead of rushing in with 10 to 15 officers and handcuffing our employees,” said the manager.

The raids were the culmination of a three-month investigation involving the Los Angeles Police Department, the Postal Service and U.S. Customs.

It began with a tip to police that the Tokyo Market might be renting obscene materials.

When U.S. Customs officers in Los Angeles intercepted a mail shipment of 84 allegedly obscene videos en route from Japan to the Tokyo Market, their agents and the Postal Service joined in the probe.

Investigators went to the market and rented videos, which they believe were filmed in Japan, to determine the subject matter.

Takeshita said the tapes included depictions of sexual torture and bondage, which may violate obscenity laws.

“This is some of the most disturbing material I have seen,” said Deputy City Atty. Deborah Sanchez.

Officers also collected the rental records for the videos to show they had been disseminated to the public, Takeshita said. Renting or possessing the videos, however, is not illegal.

Chu could be charged with misdemeanor distribution of obscene materials, which carries a penalty of up to one year imprisonment, Takeshita said. The videos will be destroyed when the case is concluded.