Executives at a company that owns strip clubs around the country — including five in Denver — have been charged with bribing a New York official with free trips to some of the venues and with private dances to avoid paying more than $8 million in sales taxes, authorities said Tuesday.

Houston-based RCI Hospitality Holdings and its corporate leaders received favorable treatment during at least six tax audits that were performed over a decade in exchange for the perks given to a state auditor, New York Attorney General Letitia James said.

James alleges RCI gave the New York auditor at least 13 complimentary trips to Florida, including hotels and meals, plus up to $5,000 per day for private dances at its strip clubs, including Tootsie’s Cabaret in Miami. The auditor also received free dance

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