How are Shelby County spas involved in alleged human trafficking and prostitution? - WBMA

[Gracie Johnson]

SHELBY COUNTY, Ala. — Three spas in Shelby County are under scrutiny following an investigation that has unveiled allegations of illegal prostitution and human trafficking. Grace Spa and Tru Acupressure in Alabaster, along with Lily Massage in Chelsea, are at the center of the probe. Two suspects have been charged with first-degree human trafficking and are being held without bond.

Ian Hassell, founder and CEO of The Network, a nonprofit organization combating human trafficking, said, "Nationwide there's over 10,000 of these locations. Which is more than like the Burger Kings and KFCs combined." He emphasized that the situation in Shelby County is not an isolated incident but part of a larger issue.

Investigators revealed that these businesses appeared legitimate but allegedly offered sex acts to some customers. Hassell explained, "That's very typical. They kind of hide in plain sight, they can conduct illicit activity in good areas, in nice strip malls next to good restaurants and ballet studios all while being exploited in commercial sex."

Some women working at these spas were found to be in the country illegally and may have been brought in specifically to perform sex acts. Hassell said, "They enter a contract to come to the United States to work. They did not know what kind of work they would be doing. When they arrive at a massage business they are told they are going to be providing sexual services."

While investigators have not confirmed if the women were willing participants, Hassell noted, "They can't do anything about it. They usually sleep in these locations, sometimes they don't, but usually they do, and they are raped multiple times a day by American sex buyers who think the women are willing participants."

During a visit to the spas, ABC 33/40's Gracie Johnson found only Tru Acupressure was open. The owner declined to comment on camera Thursday but pointed to signs banning sexual services. Hassell remarked, "They often will say, 'well we would prohibit any sexual activity on our premises, that is against our rules.' But they are just saying that to shift the risk to the victims."

Hassell described typical signs of an illicit massage business, including locked front doors requiring a buzzer for entry, covered windows, all-male clientele, and unusual operating hours.

The city of Alabaster is moving to revoke the business licenses of the two spas located there, and the Shelby County Sheriff's Office plans to request the revocation of Lily Massage's business license in Chelsea.