BUFFALO, N.Y. — Cheektowaga Police, New York State Police and Homeland Security agents raided a Cheektowaga massage parlor on Tuesday for allegedly running an illicit business that traded cash for sex.
Members of law enforcement who executed a search warrant at Little Foot Spa, 4347 Union Rd., also suspect human trafficking, sources told 2 On Your Side.
Police were alerted to the spa’s online ads selling sexual services after a forthcoming 2 On Your Side Investigation found multiple spas operating in Erie County that appeared to be offering more than massages.
“In this case, we’re extraordinarily grateful to Channel 2, who got wind of the story and brought it to our attention,” Cheektowaga Police Capt. Jeffrey Schmidt said. “That allowed us the opportunity to get in, to investigate and to try and help these victims.”
Police suspect the spa's operators may be trafficking vulnerable women in a scheme that resembles the one allegedly run out of a recently raided spa in Lockport. Linian Song, the owner of the Lockport spa, remains in federal custody on interstate prostitution charges.
2 On Your Side Investigates has been investigating the Cheektowaga spa located 0.2 miles from Maryvale High School, as well as other spas in Erie County for more than a month.
In addition to the online advertisements, employees at multiple spas gave indications via text message that they offered sexual services (often referred to as a “happy ending”) at their locations.
2 On Your Side also conducted surveillance at multiple spas that showed a steady stream of men coming and going from the spas beginning in the late afternoon. Anti-human trafficking experts say an all-male customer base is one indication that possible prostitution and human trafficking may be occurring.
Police spent more than two hours at the Union Road business. They made no arrests but left with bags of evidence including items like receipts, phones and a DVD player.
Police were also attempting to gain access to a group of apartments that were attached to the business where some of the workers were living. When human trafficking is suspected, police say they try to separate the women from those who control them. At least five women were located in the business and adjoining apartments, police said.
"There’s still a lot of investigation left to do on this case, and our detectives are going to have to figure out the how – how the victims are brought to our country, what put them in the position where they’re compelled into sexual acts," Schmidt said.
Soon after the Cheektowaga raid ended, Depew Police -- assisted by New York State Police -- raided Four Seasons Spa at 4776 Broadway, Depew, as part of an ongoing investigation into prostitution and sex trafficking. 2 On Your Side has also been investigating this spa for more than a month.
Charlie Specht's investigation of spas in Erie County will air on June 5.
This is a developing story. Please check back for more updates.
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