Charges still unclear in adult store arson

It has been more than two years since two adult video store employees were arrested on charges of setting fire to another adult video store, but the Jefferson Parish district attorney's office is still deciding whether to charge the men.

Meanwhile, owners of the burned Mr. Binky's building are suing the men in civil court for damages.

Jesse Acosta of Kenner and Rashad Clark of Jefferson, both 27, were arrested on charges of simple arson in the Sept. 11, 2007, fire that burned Mr. Binky's, 96 W. 27th St. in Kenner.

Acosta and Clark could not be reached Friday.

Acosta was a manager and Clark a part-time employee at Paradise Video, an adult video store located a couple of blocks from Mr. Binky's, police said.

"The case is still under investigation; it's still open," said Steve Wimberly, first assistant district attorney for the Jefferson Parish district attorney's office. By state law, the statute of limitations on such cases is four years, Wimberly said.

He wouldn't comment further.

Police learned about the case after Acosta allegedly dropped a badly burned Clark off at East Jefferson General Hospital shortly after the fire. Hospital officials and a Jefferson Parish sheriff's deputy working an off-duty detail at the hospital called police to say that a man who had been burned in the fire went to the hospital for treatment.

Mr. Binky's owners sued Acosta and Clark in 24th Judicial District Court for more than $50,000 in damages. John Venezia, the attorney for the plaintiffs, said the district attorney's office hasn't turned over evidence gathered against Acosta and Clark that he needs for the civil suit.

Ben Bagert, the attorney for Acosta in the civil suit, said his client is innocent.

"I'm not aware of any evidence, and I presume that's why there's never been a prosecution," he said.

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Mary Sparacello can be reached at msparacello@timespicayune.com or 504.467.1726.