You really should follow the advice of those who said talk to an attorney and not the cops. You may not be able to get your money back, but you might be able to get this club shut down. Could help the next guy whose thinking like you did.

I mean you could TRY challenging it with your credit card company, but it probably won't do any good.

> We just keep telling ourselves at least we're home, alive, and not in jail.

That really is the most important thing. You're safe at home and not in jail. Or on a gurney in the morgue.