Medusa promoter and manager say venue hired off-duty officers and private security; deny hiring armed guards

Medusa representatives told the Brookhaven Alcohol Licensing Board they hired off-duty police officers and a private security company for events and that the venue’s policy prohibited armed private security inside the club.

Promoter and manager Mr. Chibidi (speaker 5) said Medusa operates as a restaurant by day and a lounge by night, books national acts and maintains security through a combination of off-duty officers and a contracted company called Sterling. He testified that Sterling supplied security personnel who were bonded and insured and that Medusa did not hire armed guards: "We do not hire armed security," he told the board.

Why it matters: The city alleges that on nights surrounding the February–May period under review, staff and guests at Medusa displayed symbols and clothing the city’s gang investigator described as gang identifiers and that a shooting occurred in the parking lot. The defense and venue witnesses say the venue’s security practices and event-promoter relationships do not equate to criminal conduct by the business.

During questioning, the promoter acknowledged that some off-duty officers and valet/security staff carried firearms after their shifts ended and that the venue used a valet company that provided on-site attendants. He also described the night under investigation as a slow Friday night in which he was in the office closing out staff when gunfire occurred outside.

City counsel and investigators contended the record lacked evidence of a contract or payroll showing Sterling’s status and argued that testimony from investigative officers indicated some employees identified themselves as Medusa employees when interviewed.

What happens next: The board took the matter under advisement and moved to executive session for deliberation; a written decision is expected within 10 days.