TRENTON, N.J. — The owners and operators of a Sayreville strip club have pleaded guilty to a host of charges, including operating a house of prostitution and evading taxes, in a sweeping case that now includes over $700,000 in financial penalties and five years of court-ordered monitoring.
New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin announced the resolution on Monday, following a court hearing before Superior Court Judge Joseph Paone in Middlesex County. The legal outcome marks a significant step in what officials call a crackdown on businesses that mask illegal activity behind seemingly legitimate fronts.
At the center of the case is the XXXV Club, a strip club located on Route 35, and its owner, Doreen Acciardi, along with her husband, Anthony Acciardi Sr. Both pleaded guilty to maintaining a house of prostitution and failing to pay state income taxes — charges that carry felony penalties.
As part of a global resolution:
- The Acciardis agreed to repay approximately $705,000 in unpaid taxes, which includes the forfeiture of $420,000 in cash seized during the investigation.
- The club itself, operating under 35 Club, LLC, pleaded guilty and will now be subject to five years of independent monitoring, including round-the-clock surveillance via closed-circuit TV and random inspections through January 1, 2030.
“This case sends a clear message: illegal business practices and tax evasion will not go unnoticed — and they will be prosecuted,” said Attorney General Platkin. “The guilty pleas in this case underscore that illegal business dealings and tax cheating are not worth it.”
Strip Club Operated as House of Prostitution
Investigators discovered that VIP rooms in the club were used for prostitution, with dancers engaging in sexual acts with patrons. Income from these illicit activities was largely unreported, according to the Attorney General’s Office.
In addition to the owners, several family members and employees were implicated:
- Acciboys, LLC, a company owning ATMs at the club and run by Anthony Acciardi Jr. and Stephen Acciardi, also pleaded guilty to maintaining a house of prostitution.
- The younger Acciardis, along with club employees Jeanine Nichols and Jason Portes, were admitted into a three-year pretrial intervention program and must pay fines and penalties. Stephen Acciardi also agreed to pay outstanding taxes.
Legal Consequences and Sentencing
Under the proposed terms, the State will recommend:
- Three years of probation for Anthony Acciardi Sr.
- Two years of probation for Doreen Acciardi.
The couple will also be required to meet all compliance terms related to the continued operation of their business.
Meanwhile, Alana, Inc., a real estate company that owns the property where the club is located, will see all charges dropped as part of the broader agreement.
“This isn’t just about one club — it’s about ensuring that businesses across New Jersey are not used as safe havens for illegal activity,” said Drew Skinner, Executive Director of the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability. “We expect Club XXXV to clean up its act — and now, we’ll be watching to make sure it does.”
