Consumers beware – though a vast majority of small, independently run, tucked-away businesses provide legal goods and services, there are others that do not. Some locations harbor criminal acts involving commercial sexual exploitation and human trafficking.
On Monday July 13th, members of the Keizer Police Department, the Oregon Department of Justice, the Oregon Board of Massage Therapists, Safety Compass, the Portland Police Bureau and the Marion County District Attorney’s Office, conducted an operation in the City of Keizer to shut down three illicit massage businesses (IMB’s) that were identified through months of investigation and surveillance. Practicing massage without a massage therapist license is a class “A” misdemeanor.
Multiple teams of investigators converged on Joy Foot Spa (3789 River Rd N #C) and Silk Love (4056 River Rd N) simultaneously, with search warrants in-hand and, detained multiple individuals. At Joy Foot Spa, 38-year-old Bellevue, Washington resident, Haiting Sun, was cited for multiple violations which included: running an adult entertainment business, failing to secure building permits before remodeling and solid waste violations. A 52-year-old female worker, who was living in the Joy Foot Spa location, was issued a citation for practicing massage without a massage therapist license. There were no customers in the business at the time of the operation.
The Silk Love location was serving two customers at the time of the search warrant service who were initially detained, interviewed and eventually released at the scene with no charges. Investigators also detained two female workers who were identified as a 41-year-old Salem resident, and a 39-year-old from California. Both were issued citations for practicing massage without a massage therapist license.
Nine Spa worker, a 59-year-old who resides in the business located at 5175 River Rd N, was contacted and issued a citation for practicing massage without a massage therapist license. She was also warned about zoning violations but was not cited for such.
At the conclusion of the operation, over $26,000 in cash was seized along with evidence of prostitution. The women contacted during the operation were connected with resources in order to get the support and services they need as victims of human trafficking.
Chief Andrew Copeland wants the community to know that, “The Keizer Police Department is committed to helping keep our community safe. Our focus in this case was on the survivors of crime because we know that behind every investigation is a person, family, or business whose life has been changed. We are committed to treating victims with compassion, dignity, and respect while working diligently to hold offenders accountable and pursue justice. We believe everyone deserves to live in a safe community where children can grow and neighbors can thrive. Much of the work our officers do is never seen by the public, yet those efforts are essential to protecting the quality of life our community values. Human trafficking and sexual exploitation are devastating crimes that often remain hidden. If you or someone you know is being trafficked or exploited, please know you are not alone. Contact the Keizer Police Department. We will do everything we can to help you find safety, connect you with resources, and begin the path toward healing. We remain committed to protecting our community, supporting survivors, and pursuing justice with professionalism, compassion, humility, and integrity. We want to thank our partners who were instrumental in making this operation a reality and by doing so, have helped build a safer community.”
