Spa Shut Down Over Allegations Of Prostitution, Human Trafficking
FENTON (WWJ) - A local day spa has been shut down as police investigate allegations of prostitution and possible human trafficking.
Genesee County Prosecutor David Leyton has obtained a temporary restraining order shuttering Lake Spa on Torrey Road, near US-23 in Fenton, saying: "We will not tolerate this sort of illegal activity in our community."
The investigation began this fall after police received several complaints of prostitution taking place at the spa. Following the allegations, Fenton police coordinated with Michigan State Police and other law enforcement authorities. The investigators say they uncovered acts of prostitution being offered to spa customers, but offered few other details.
Based upon preliminary results of the investigation, Leyton filed a complaint in Genesee County Circuit Court under the state's nuisance abatement law, asking the court to issue the temporary restraining order to allow his office to padlock the building to prevent any further activity at the location.
"A very real concern of ours is that this situation could involve a human trafficking operation involving young girls brought here for the purpose of prostitution and other exploitation," Leyton said in a statement.
Leyton added that further investigation will continue while police look at "every possible angle to ensure that any form of human trafficking be stopped and those responsible be prosecuted."
According to advertisements in the "Michigan therapeutic massage" and "adult entertainment" sections of Backpage.com, a classifieds website, Lake Spa is open for appointments or walk-ins seven days a week until midnight. The ad -- which features photos of three pretty, young Asian women -- touts the "best Asian relaxation and table shower" in addition to oriental pressure point and Asian acupuncture.
