Providence Foxy Lady owner “Poochie” Angell dies at 91

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Gaythorne J. “Poochie” Angell Jr., a longtime owner connected to the Foxy Lady, has died at the age of 91.

Angell died Thursday, March 5. He was widely known for his decades long involvement with the well known Providence nightclub.

Long career connected to Providence club

Angell spent many years working as a consultant and operator for the Foxy Lady, one of Rhode Island’s most recognizable adult entertainment venues. The club has operated in downtown Providence for decades and has long been part of the city’s nightlife scene.

Past federal case connected to testimony

In 2016, Angell was indicted on a perjury charge related to testimony he gave before a federal grand jury.

Prosecutors alleged that Angell provided false statements when questioned about whether the Foxy Lady had made protection payments to organized crime figures.

During testimony in 2011, Angell said the club had never made such payments, that he had never directed payments, and that he had no knowledge of any payments being made.

The investigation was tied to a larger federal case involving alleged extortion at several Rhode Island strip clubs.

Ultimately, eight people were charged in connection with a scheme to extort money from strip clubs in the state.

Charges later dismissed

Federal prosecutors later asked a judge to dismiss the perjury charge against Angell after he completed a six month pretrial diversion program.

According to the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Rhode Island, the case was dismissed after the program was successfully completed.

Angell remained a known figure in Providence’s nightlife industry for many years.