Club Owners Jailed Over Unpaid Settlement Debts

A federal judge ordered the operators of a Columbus club into custody after they failed to pay settlement debts.

Updated on Oct. 8, 2026 in Sex Crimes

Club Owners Jailed Over Unpaid Settlement Debts

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U.S. District Judge Algenon Marbley ordered Michael Sharrak, Francis Sharrak, and Jay Nelson into federal custody on October 8, 2026. The men were jailed for failing to satisfy $240,891.60 in unpaid settlement obligations owed to former dancers.

Why it matters

The detention follows the defendants' failure to comply with a court order stemming from a legal dispute involving former employees. The court refused to grant additional time for the group to fulfill their financial obligations.

The defendants remain in the custody of U.S. Marshals until they pay the full $240,891.60 settlement, $13,000 in interest, and $51,000 in attorney fees. They have been in contempt of court since July 1, 2026.

The players

Algenon Marbley

He is the U.S. District Judge who presided over the case and ordered the defendants into federal custody.

Michael Sharrak

He is one of the owners of the company that operates Sirens Gentlemen's Club.

Francis Sharrak

He is a co-owner of the company that operates Sirens Gentlemen's Club.

Jay Nelson

He is a co-owner of the company that operates Sirens Gentlemen's Club.

U.S. Marshals

They are the federal law enforcement agency responsible for maintaining custody of the defendants.

The details

Michael Sharrak, Francis Sharrak, and Jay Nelson are the owners of the company that operates Sirens Gentlemen's Club in Columbus. Despite paying $14,000 during their hearing, the judge denied a request to push their payment deadline to October 14, 2026.

July 1, 2026: The defendants were first found in civil contempt of court.
October 8, 2026: The defendants were ordered into federal custody.
October 14, 2026: The court denied a requested deadline extension for payment.

Legal Context

This enforcement action follows the established pattern of the Fair Labor Standards Act litigation framework, which empowers courts to hold employers in contempt when they fail to satisfy ordered settlement payments to workers. The case mirrors broader trends in the jurisdiction where federal courts strictly enforce labor-related financial judgments against private business owners.

The detention of the club's ownership group does not change the operational status of the venue but signals a strict judicial stance on the collection of unpaid court-ordered settlements. Residents and local businesses should note that the court has prioritized full payment of worker obligations over further delays.

The takeaway

This case serves as a reminder that civil contempt orders can lead to immediate loss of liberty when financial settlements remain unpaid. The court's refusal to extend deadlines underscores that legal obligations to former employees are strictly enforced at the federal level.