Firefighter accused of running ‘erotic massage’ business on leave

A Chicago firefighter accused of running an “erotic massage” business from his Northwest Side home, will be relieved from active duty, officials said Saturday.

Brendan A. Kennedy-Gasior, 37, charged with promoting prostitution, a felony, appeared in court Friday and was released on bond after Cook County Judge Kelly Marie McCarthy set bail at $5,000.

According to a Chicago police report, Kennedy-Gasior would pay for advertisements on adult websites, set up appointments and direct customers to his home, which is located within 1,000 feet of a school, where the “prostitution acts” happened.

Kennedy-Gasior received about half, or $50, for each of the 40-50 “erotic massages” that the victim, a 23-yearold woman, performed and would be paid $200 for every $400 sexual act that was carried out, according to the report.

He was identified by the victim, who told authorities Kennedy-Gasior allegedly instructed her to set the price at $150 for a half an hour session and $200 for a one-hour session for each customer, the report said.

She performed as many as 50 acts, and Kennedy-Gasior was present in the apartments when they happened, the report said.

Alison Motta, an attorney representing Kennedy-Gasior, said he was an active firefighter up until the day of his arrest, on Thursday, and has at least three commendations, including one for “excellence,” from the fire department.

Kennedy-Gasior, who is also a fire department paramedic, declined to comment when reached by phone and is due back in court on April 14.

Chicago Fire Department spokesperson Larry Langford confirmed Kennedy-Gasior drives an engine for the department but took a “non-duty medical leave,” after he was arrested.

He is not scheduled to report back for duty until Monday but when he does he will officially be placed on “paid administrative leave,” Langford said.

“The CFD Internal Affairs Division worked closely with Chicago Police detectives in this investigation,” an emailed statement from the department said. “These are very serious allegations and do not reflect the standards of conduct expected of our members.”