Hof disputes Nye allegations involving brothel

A show cause hearing for brothel owner Dennis Hof has been scheduled for May 17 in front of the Nye County commission.

Nye County alleges Hof violated two codes including employing prostitutes who did not have working permits and health clearances at the Area 51 Death Valley Cathouse in Amargosa Valley.

On Feb. 11, 2017, a brothel check was conducted on all of the operational brothels located within Nye County.

According to the Nye County Sheriff’s Office records, the Area 51 Death Valley Cathouse had had four girls permitted for the Alien Brothel, but had six girls who had current medical clearances and were on the floor working. There were 12 prostitute work permits inspected, six were current and six were expired. All 12 prostitutes said they were working.

Hof denied allegations in a phone conversation with the Pahrump Valley Times on Wednesday.

“There was no problem. The police officer (that inspected the business) doesn’t understand the regulations of Nye County or this was totally politically motivated,” Hof said.

“We are anxious to have the hearing and that we will be found in the right,” he said.

Nye County Commission Chairman Dan Schinhofen stood by county’s allegations.

“No response to his absurd allegations,” Schinhofen said.

Commissioner Lorinda Wichman declined to comment.

“I am not able to comment on the alleged violations since this is a show cause hearing,” she said.

“A show cause hearing is simply an opportunity for Mr. Hof to defend his privilege license and the violations issued to him,” she said. ‘Show cause loosely means he has an opportunity to convince the BoCC (county commission) that his license should remain intact. He will have an opportunity to question the violation, call witnesses and challenge the validity of the charges.”

“The outcome is at the discretion of the board. The board can choose to do anything from nothing to full revocation. We will have to wait and hear the details for the pleasure of the board,” Wichman said.

According to Nye County Code, prostitutes are required to renew their working permits every quarter and be tested by a medical professional every seven days.

Hof’s hearing is set for at 8 a.m. May 17 at the Nye County Commission Chambers at 2100 E. Walt Williams Drive in Pahrump.

Contact reporter Daria Sokolova at dsokolova@pvtimes.com. On Twitter: @dariasokolova77