Portsmouth 'swingers club' owner gets date on assault charge
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
PORTSMOUTH — A man who owns a "swingers club" on Cutts Avenue will go to trial in May for allegedly assaulting two of his tenants.
Police say Joseph Ranguette, 71, of 42 Cutts Ave. pushed one of his tenants and punched another following an argument, according to court documents.
The property, which does business under the name Middle Door Swingers Club, has been the target of police surveillance for the past year because city officials say the house is being used for parties on every other Saturday night where couples can engage in sexual activity with other partners.
This is in violation of city zoning laws because the property is not being used in a residential fashion.
Ranguette did not appear in Portsmouth District Court for his arraignment but his attorney Stan Hawthorne of Wakefield send a letter waiving the hearing.
Ranguette's case is scheduled for trial in Portsmouth District Court on May 29.
