MANDEVILLE, La. (WWL-TV) – A snowball stand owner is facing multiple counts surrounding alleged sexual behavior with underage employees, according to the Mandeville Police Department.
Anthony Barton Fortune, 56, owner of the Shiver Shack Snowball Stand was booked on dozens of counts including 11 counts of carnal knowledge of a juvenile, 48 counts of possession of a scheduled narcotic in the presence of juveniles, 48 counts of indecent behavior with a juvenile, 2 counts of sexual battery and 4 counts of child trafficking for sexual purposes.
According to Captain Gerald Stricker of Mandeville Police, the investigation started two weeks ago when the department received allegations of inappropriate conduct between Fortune and several of his young female employees. Stricker said the investigation showed that Fortune gave four juveniles cash and drugs in exchange for sexual favors over several months while they were on the job.
The incidents allegedly took place in Fortune’s apartment, which is connected to the stand.
A search warrant was executed Thursday on Fortune’s apartment. Police would not say what items were taken.
On Thursday, Shiver Shack Snowballs posted an announcement to their Facebook page that the stand was under new ownership. The announcement was posted at 9:37 p.m. Thursday, July 21.
