HANOVER, Pa. — Beck Lawrence opened Serpent's Key Shop and Sanctuary in downtown Hanover earlier this year.
"It's been kind of a wild ride," they said.
The metaphysical store is filled with spooky artwork, potions and skull decorations that attract customers from across the region.
A handful of customers request Tarot readings from the practicing Pagan. It's a medieval game that dates back to the early 1400s.
They deal out a deck of 78 cards, conveying messages from the universe. Lawrence charges up to $100 for their longest private sessions.
"All of this is a metaphor, and it's about how this metaphor applies to your life and guides you through your life," Lawrence said.
When a local publication asked to highlight their shop a few weeks ago, things quickly took an unexpected turn.
"I thought it would be a really nice way to introduce my shop to the community and, I mean, we surely did," Lawrence recalled. "I got an email and I was just kind of like, a-ha. I literally had walked out of therapy and I was like, I've gotta turn right back around. What the heck."
Representatives from that local publication warned Lawrence that Hanover Borough Police Chief Chad Martin would be stopping by the store for a talk.
Lawrence shared the news with more than a million viewers on TikTok,
An 1860's law that's still on the books in Pennsylvania prohibits fortune-telling.
Last week, Martin and another officer showed up at the front door.
"He basically just reiterated to me that he wasn't here to make an arrest at this time or press any charges at this time, however, if he did get further reports or if he felt there was any need to investigate, he would be obligated to under this law, which I understand," they said.
Lawrence said they knew about the law before opening Serpent's Key, but said it's most recently been used to rightfully prosecute instances of fraud.
Lawrence pointed out the legal disclaimers posted in several locations of the store.
"He told me that my pieces of paper would not hold up in court," Lawrence said.
Amidst growing backlash online, Chief Martin responded to the criticism on the Hanover Police Department's Facebook page, saying in part: "There was never an investigation, nor was there any threat of arrest in this matter."
He continued: "If one possesses the sentiment that the statute, Pennsylvania Title 18, section 7104, Fortune Telling, does not protect anyone from harm and is not needed, then I would suggest that their proper recourse is to contact their legislators and voice their opinion."
Lawrence said other shops in York and Adams Counties perform the same practices.
"Whether you believe that I have magical powers or not, or I'm a legitimate Tarot reader or not, I think anyone running a business and wanting to actually profit would be more than happy to agree to sign up for a permit," they said.
Lawrence is confident this was just an October scare but said some supporters have already offered legal representation if they are charged.
They've received an outpouring of support online and at the store.
"It's hard to put into words my gratitude, but dang," they said. "Thank you, oh my goodness."