PLAINFIELD TOWNSHIP, Mich. -- The Kent County Sheriff's Office says its Human Trafficking Task Force has arrested the 44-year-old woman who owns the Just Divine massage parlor in Plainfield Township.
It says in a news release the business was operating as a front for prostitution, and the owner, from Hamilton, was arrested on four charges. They include keeping a house of prostitution, prostitution pandering, accepting earnings of prostitution and using a computer to commit a crime.
The Sheriff's Office says its Human Trafficking Task Force began investigating months ago, after receiving a tip from the public about the business, which is licensed.
Here are more details from a KCSO news release:
For months, the Task Force has been investigating Just Divine massage at 5181 Plainfield Ave NE based upon a tip of illicit sexual acts taking place. An undercover investigation revealed that the business was one of the highest attended massage parlors in Kent County with mostly male customers traveling from around Michigan seeking out its services.
Evidence and probable cause was obtained through the investigation for an arrest and search warrant involving those operating the business. Yesterday, the search warrant was conducted resulting in more evidence being obtained of pay-for-sex taking place inside of the business. The business was licensed in the State of Michigan, however no licensed massage therapist were employed.
The Task Force is continuing to look through evidence in the case and is aware of the prevalence of illicit massages businesses in our community. The Task Force goal of investigating sex and labor trafficking goes hand in hand with providing resources and support for survivors of trafficking. The KCSO partners with community victim services providers like Safe Haven Ministries and Crisis Aid International to walk alongside those who are impacted.
The 44-year-old business owner is currently lodged at the Kent County Jail on charges of: Keeping a House of Prostitution, Prostitution Pandering, Prostitution/Accepting Earnings, and Using a Computer to Commit a Crime. She will be arraigned in the 63rd District Court at a date to be determined.
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