SAN DIEGO -- Strip club employees testified before a federal grand jury Friday that they gave illegal contributions to San Diego City Council members.

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Mike Galardi is the owner of the local Cheetahs strip club. He and his father own a string of clubs from San Diego to Miami. They are at the center of the FBI probe into alleged influence-buying at City Hall. The grand jury is looking into thousands of dollars in campaign contributions made by the Galardis and their employees.

Sources told 10News that the Galardis used their strip club employees to hide illegal contributions to their favorite Council members.

The witnesses called to testify Friday included dancers and former dancers of Cheetahs strip club in Kearny Mesa.

Two women identified as Brandi and Victoria testified that they each gave Council member Toni Akins $250.

As many as 25 employees and former employees -- some from clubs in Las Vegas -- are due to be questioned about campaign contributions.

On Friday, 10News learned the grand jury heard that employee contributions to City Council members were reimbursed. A strip club employee testified that after making a contribution, the day manager, John D'Intino, reimbursed her. Apparently, the employees would write checks made out to City Council candidates in the maximum amount of $250. Then the day manager would give the contributor $250 in cash.

Some of Friday's witnesses went on the record denying that allegation.

Jeff Bender, a disc jockey at Cheetahs in San Diego, said he gave $250 to help elect Councilman Jim Madaffer. He claimed he was not reimbursed.

"They asked me if I gave a contribution. They asked if I was reimbursed and I said, 'No,'" Bender told reporters.

Others would not talk to the grand jury.

Richard and Vincent Tomaselo walked in with their attorney Gene Iredale and pleaded the Fifth Amendment.

"My clients invoked their right to refuse to testify before the grand jury," Iredale said.

More club employees are under subpoena and are expected to testify within the coming weeks.

D'Intino's attorney told 10News his client is being targeted because of the type of business he runs.

"Who cares. If this were any industry but the adult industry this would be the subject of a regulatory action, nothing as serious as a grand jury investigation," D'Intino's attorney said.

More witnesses are due to testify next week.