The property owner of a popular tailgating venue was charged with bootlegging after Iowa City police carried out an undercover investigation.

Tracy Barkalow, 35, 320 S. Linn St., was charged Nov. 18 with two counts of bootlegging.

According to Iowa City police, officers conducted an investigation of the Stadium Club tailgating venue, 817 Melrose Ave., for possible alcohol-sale violations. The first undercover investigation at the location occurred Oct. 2 followed by a subsequent visit on Oct. 23. Barkalow was present for both investigations, officers said.

Barkalow — the property owner of 817 Melrose Ave. — reportedly applied for and was denied a liquor license for the Stadium Club location. Plainclothes police officers reportedly paid $10 to gain admission into the Stadium Club, where alcohol was then made available in a keg or through cans of beer.

Officers said Barkalow provided a plastic cup to a plainclothes officer on Oct. 23.

Barkalow reportedly said he was responsible for activities associated with the Stadium Club.

Bootlegging is a serious misdemeanor is punishable by up to one year in jail and a maximum fine of $1,500.

— by Nina Earnest