Man Convicted in Couple Swapping

A Van Nuys man who said he invited dozens of couples to his home to share spouses on weekends was convicted Friday of operating a sexual-encounter business without a permit.

A jury found John Lynch, 50, guilty on five counts of zoning violations, which is punishable by a maximum $5,000 in fines and 30 months in jail.

“We just want to make sure it stops,” said Michael P. Pizzuti, the deputy city attorney who prosecuted the case.

“I’m happy that this will allow this neighborhood to regain some sense of dignity.”

Frank Mateljan, Los Angeles city attorney spokesman, said Lynch was charged with five misdemeanor counts of zoning violations after undercover police officers attended five parties between September and December 2000.

Pizzuti had argued that couples with an interest in trading spouses for sex had paid to come to Lynch’s residence and spend the night.

Home Was Listed in Swinger Magazines

Lynch’s home, known as “The Velvet Swing,” is listed in swinger magazines. Lynch has told reporters that he has invited as many as 40 couples to his home on Fridays and Saturdays.

Police started investigating after neighbors complained to city officials.

Under city ordinance, owners of sexual-encounter businesses must obtain a permit from the city Planning Department, and the businesses must be at least 500 feet from residential areas, Mateljan said.

Sexual-encounter businesses are legal if owners obtain a permit in Los Angeles, Pizzuti said.

Lynch and his attorney, Roger Jon Diamond, could not be reached for comment.

Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Debre Katz Weintraub set sentencing for Monday.