Alton Plunkett Accused of Accepting Lavish Bribes from Executives at RCI Hospitality Holdings to Manipulate Tax Audits Over 14 Years
NEW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James revealed today that Alton Plunkett, a former auditor for the New York Department of Taxation and Finance (DTF), has been indicted in relation to an extensive bribery and tax fraud operation allegedly run by high-ranking officials at RCI Hospitality Holdings, Inc., a firm that manages strip clubs throughout the United States.
Plunkett faces allegations of accepting extravagant bribes, which included luxury vacations, cash payments, and private performances at RCI-owned strip clubs, in return for favorable audit outcomes that allowed the company to avoid over $8 million in sales taxes owed to New York state and city from 2010 to 2024.
He was arraigned today in the New York County Supreme Court and is facing several felony charges, including Criminal Tax Fraud in the First Degree, Bribe Receiving, Conspiracy, and Falsifying Business Records.
“Alton Plunkett took numerous bribes to help RCI and its executives cheat New Yorkers and avoid paying their fair share in taxes,” said Attorney General James. “We have zero tolerance for public officials using their office for personal gain, and we will ensure all those involved in this bribery scheme are held accountable.”
According to the Attorney General’s Office, Plunkett was instrumental in protecting RCI during several tax audits, which enabled the company to greatly underreport its sales and evade necessary tax payments. In exchange for his efforts, he received at least 13 all-expenses-paid trips to Florida, where he reportedly earned up to $5,000 daily in cash for private dances at RCI’s establishments, including Tootsie’s Cabaret in Miami. These trips, financed by RCI, featured luxurious hotel accommodations and gourmet dining.
The operation allegedly reached beyond Florida. Since 2010, RCI’s controller and accountant, Timothy Winata, undertook at least 10 journeys from Texas to New York City to hand-deliver cash bribes to Plunkett at RCI’s clubs in Manhattan: Rick’s Cabaret, Vivid Cabaret, and Hoops Cabaret and Sports Bar.
The executive team at RCI—including CEO Eric Langan, CFO Bradley Chhay, Director of Operations Ahmed Anakar, and Regional Manager Shaun Kevlin—reportedly sanctioned and orchestrated the bribery scheme. They also manipulated RCI’s business records to misrepresent the bribes as “promotional” expenses.
On September 16, the five RCI employees implicated were arraigned on related charges. Plunkett’s indictment, which was unsealed today, comes after ongoing cooperation between the Attorney General’s Office and DTF’s Internal Affairs Division.
“This former Tax employee, if convicted, faces severe consequences, including a possible prison term,” said Amanda Hiller, Acting Commissioner and General Counsel of the State Department of Taxation and Finance.
If convicted on the most serious charge, Criminal Tax Fraud in the First Degree, Plunkett could face up to 25 years in prison.
The charges outlined in the indictment are allegations. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
