Adult bookstore manager arrested for opening up shop

AUGUSTA - The manager of an adult bookstore was arrested Friday after opening up without a special zoning designation. <br> <br> Augusta Video X-Mart general manager Jimmy Cassandro said he was opening in an act of civil disobedience. <br> <br> ``I believe in the Constitution, and I believe this country should be free,&#39;&#39; Cassandro said shortly after opening up for business. ``I feel like nobody should take away our right to be free.&#39;&#39; <br> <br> Cassandro was charged with disorderly conduct and operating a business without a license, said Richmond County Sheriff&#39;s Sgt. Greg Smith. <br> <br> Last month, the Augusta Commission turned down Cassandro&#39;s request for the special zoning designation required for any business selling sexually oriented material. The commission wanted to prevent the store from opening on Gordon Highway, a major thoroughfare. <br> <br> On Thursday, Augusta commissioners voted to amend the city&#39;s adult entertainment ordinance. Instead of requiring the special zoning exception, adult bookstores and erotic-dance establishments will be permitted only in areas zoned for light or heavy industry. <br> <br> The proposed changes also prohibit sexually oriented businesses from opening in areas deemed to be in ``gateway corridors,&#39;&#39; such as the Gordon Highway area. <br> <br> The constitutionality of the city&#39;s old ordinance already is being challenged in U.S. District Court. <br>