Abilene ? A grand jury returned a 29-count indictment Thursday against an adult novelty and video store that has been the focus of controversy since it opened last September.

Each of the misdemeanor counts returned by the grand jury in Dickinson County alleges that the Lion’s Den Adult Superstore promoted obscenity. Store owners face fines of up to $2,500 and/or up to one year in jail on each count.

All the counts relate to devices that are sold at the Lions Den, near Abilene just off Interstate 70. Under state law, promoting obscenity includes knowingly or recklessly selling sexually oriented goods.

Lions Den field manager Sandi Summers said she could not comment on the proceedings. She has said that the Ohio-based company has faced court proceedings before and none of its 29 stores has closed because of a court decision.

The grand jury’s indictment may lead to other obscenity cases being filed across the state, Dickinson County Attorney Kristie Hildebrand said.

“I have received phone calls from other county attorneys who have been awaiting the result of our grand jury decision here in Dickinson County before they make decisions on how to proceed,” she said.

The grand jury was summoned after a petition was filed in November by a group called Citizens for Strengthening Community Virtues.

One of the group’s members, Phillip Cosby, of Abilene, said he was pleased and thankful for the indictment.

“It’s not a big surprise to us,” Cosby said. “When 15 average people get together and look at the evidence in the courtroom and are able to bring back 29 counts of obscenity, that speaks very loudly for community standards.”