Worthington massage parlor raided by police

The Asia Good Luck Massage Spa opened for business last summer in a Worthington shopping strip center, wedged between a beauty salon and a pizza and sandwich shop.

On its website, the spa said it specialized in massages such as Hot Stone, Four Hands and Oil Treatment. But Worthing-ton police received tips that customers could pay for sex acts, said Sgt. James A. Moran of the Worthington police.

After months of investigation, police obtained a search warrant and raided the business at 2159 W. DublinGranville Road just before 1 p.m. Tuesday.

Two female employees and a customer were inside at the time. No arrests were made and the investigation is continuing, Moran said.

The business is being investigated for human trafficking and prostitution, he said.

The female employees, believed to be from China, are not being prosecuted as Asian American Community Services is helping them escape, Moran said. Chinese interpreters from the agency were on hand to communicate with the women.

The person believed to be running the local business was not on premises. Moran said it is believed that this local branch is tied to an operation out of Flushing, N.Y., which has international ties.

The Central Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force and Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation also were there when the search was conducted. Moran said they have consulted with the FBI, though this is considered to be a Worthington case.

Records, cash and other evidence were seized during a search of the business.

The next step is to have the city of Worthington explore having the business declared a nuisance and closed down, Moran said. The landlord for the shopping strip in the Linworth neighborhood might also proceed with an eviction.

“People need to know how disgusting these businesses are,” Moran said. “They’re human debris as far as I am concerned.”