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LEHI, Utah (KUTV) — A massage parlor in Lehi is being accused of being a front for sex trafficking after a woman posted dozens of videos confronting several men about using the parlor for sex work.
Lehi Police released a statement, saying:
The Lehi City Police Department has become aware of a massage parlor that has been operating here in the city. We want the public to know that we are actively investigating the massage parlor activities and also the possible component of human sex trafficking.
We are working with state agencies during this investigation to ensure that all possible components are investigated and any possible links to individuals or other massage parlors are looked at.
We have also verified that the massage parlor has been evicted by the landlord and is no longer at the premises.
Officials are unsure if any illegal activity went on at the massage parlor.
While the videos may have gotten traction online, someone who claims to be the owner of the building told KUTV they suspected trafficking after they noticed something unusual.
They said they suspected trafficking once they realized the massage therapists had no transportation to and from the unit.
“When I became aware that there was possible trafficking happening, I contacted the Lehi Police Department,” the owner said in a text. “Concerned for the safety of tenants and their customers, I notified the tenant (who was out of town) and assisted them in removing their belongings. I do not know where they have gone.”
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They said the parlor was notified Friday night and evicted Saturday morning.
According to the owner, the woman who posted the videos is a friend of one of the tenants of the building.
The woman wants to make clear that there was one picture of a man that she was asking if anyone recognized. That man turned out to be working for the owner to help evict the parlor, and was not involved with the parlor at all.
She said all the other videos were conversations with men who were allegedly visiting the parlor.
KUTV reached out for an interview with Lehi police, and we were told that they’re “still reviewing the information to determine if there was any illegal activity that happened in the business,” and the statement is all they have right now.
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