NORTHAMPTON, Mass. — NoPornNorthampton, a community group comprised of citizens opposed to the construction of a Capital Video adult store, has been warned by state Attorney General Tom Reilly to stop soliciting public donations.

A spokesman for the Attorney General said NoPornNorthampton sent out a mass mail campaign to registered voters in Northampton and Longmeadow that included a donation envelope. The group was told to stop its public drive to solicit funds.

Additionally, Reilly warned the group to register as a charity if it continues to seek public contributions.

Capital Video, which Dun & Bradstreet reports earned $21 million in sales in 2005, operates stores throughout the Northeast, as well as the website Amazing.net.

Northampton is a small New England town that is home to college students, artists and bohemian businesses. The store, which Capital Video CEO Kenneth Guarino hoped to open at a former auto dealership, is a short walk from the center of town, in a location populated by schools, churches and homes.

NoPornNorthampton’s Jendi Reiter said the charity drive was a way to defray organizational costs, and that her organization will comply with the Attorney General’s order.

According to Reiter, the mailings brought in only $1,000.

“Northampton has long been a refuge for people who care about women’s equality, human dignity and the arts,” Reiter said. “Porn shops hurt neighborhoods with crime, violence against women and sexual addiction that breaks up families. Our town can do better.

Source: XBiz