MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A former Black Lodge employee is out of jail after pleading guilty to assault and being sentenced to one-day, according to Shelby County court records.
Brandon Karnes was charged with assault/sexual battery, after a victim told police Karnes inappropriately touched them in the back room of the video store on May 13, 2023. According to court records, Karnes pleaded guilty to assault on Aug. 7, and was sentenced to time served, which was listed as one day in jail.
According to the affidavit, the victim did not feel well after drinking and went to lie down on a sofa in the back room. That victim told police that Karnes laid on the sofa next to her and touched her until the victim stopped him from doing so. A witness told police that they entered the room, confronted Karnes and then saw that the victim's dress partially removed, according to the affidavit.
Police interviewed Karnes at 170 North Main and, according to the affidavit, he told them he thought his actions were okay because he said he heard the victim make noises. The victim told police that Karnes' advances were not consensual.
Both the witness and the victim were provided a six-person photo line-up and positively identified Karnes in that lineup, according to the affidavit.
On May 21, Black Lodge posted a statement mentioning "incidents" they needed to address. In the statement the store said that they "did remove the people involved and are better for it."
Black Lodge also announced measures to combat potential future incidents, including a statement to be signed by each employee and owner acknowledging that they understand what sexual misconduct means, as well as more cameras to be installed at the location.
"We sincerely and wholeheartedly apologize to those affected and have taken further measures to help stop this in the future," Black Lodge's statement reads. "We pride ourself on our inclusivity and in trying to create a safe environment for everyone. These are things one strives for everyday, not something that is achieved once and held onto forever, so we will continue to strive to achieve that inclusivity and safety for all."