A massage parlor in Kent County is the center of a criminal investigation after its owner was arrested on charges of running a 'pay-for-sex' operation. According to information from the Kent County Sheriff's Office received by WWMT, the 44-year-old woman from Hamilton was taken into custody after deputies executed a search warrant at Just Divine Massage on Plainfield Avenue NE.
The operation had been under surveillance for months following tips that led to an investigation. Undercover efforts revealed that the parlor, lacking any licensed therapists, appeared to be a front for illicit activities. The female owner is now facing several felony charges including Keeping a House of Prostitution, Prostitution Pandering, Accepting Earnings from Prostitution, and Using a Computer to Commit a Crime. In a statement obtained by FOX17 Online, the Kent County Sheriff's Office confirmed that no licensed massage therapists were found to be employed at the parlor.
Details furnished by 13 ON YOUR SIDE highlighted Lieutenant Eric Brunner's remarks on the nature of the business. "Through our investigative means, we're able to determine there's men from the east side of the state, from our own community that are coming to this business. And it's not advertised this business is not advertised, the front door is locked. So it's kind of by an appointment only, and you have know people. So there's very specific things about this business that would raise flags to maybe a normal customer," Brunner explained.
The task force is now working to unravel further complexities in the case. Although there has been no evidence of human trafficking found thus far, officials warn that these investigations have to often dig deep before uncovering such crimes. "However, as you continue to dig down, you may find one out of the 10 people involved are. So it's kind of a spider web behind the scenes," Brunner told 13 ON YOUR SIDE. The sheriff's office is collaborating with victim services providers like Safe Haven Ministries and Crisis Aid International to provide support for any potential victims.
