Authorities execute search warrants at several massage parlors in Chesapeake - WAVY-TV

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Photo courtesy: WAVY/Chopper 10

CHESAPEAKE, Va. (WAVY) — Homeland Security Investigations Special Agents and Chesapeake police executed search warrants at six massage parlors throughout Chesapeake on Friday.

Police told WAVY.com that search warrants are being executed at the following locations:

• Pure Massage
  115 Byron Street
• Massage Elite
  200 North Battlefield Blvd.
• Harmony Massage
  117 Coastal Way
• Asian Dream Massage
  809 Live Oak Drive #21
• Sunny Spa
  1400 Kempsville Rd.
• Massage Time
  316 South Battlefield Blvd.

Sunny Spa 1400 Kempsville

Harmony Massage 117 Coastal Way

Pure Massage 115 Byron Street

Chesapeake police told 10 On Your Side that the search warrants come after a year-long investigation. Officers reportedly received a complaint. About six months ago, Homeland Security Investigations joined for assistance with the investigation.

During the raids, investigators were reportedly checking permits at the locations, making sure no one has been living at the businesses, making sure they are not violating city code and that no inappropriate touching or human trafficking is occurring at the locations.

There is no evidence at this time that the locations are related or that they are part of some kind of ring.

Chopper 10 flew over Harmony Massage and captured video of two women being escorted into a Sheriff’s van while handcuffed.

Over at Sunny Spa, employees at nearby businesses watched police swarm the parking lot.

“Swarm of cops, I mean they were undercover, they were in mini vans, SUVs,” said Brittany Jackson. “They brought the two women out, I believe one was the owner and one was a little bit older.”

Jackson told 10 On Your Side that the raid wasn’t shocking.

“I was just waiting for the day to come,” she said. “I mean you could tell, right off the bat.” She said customers would often walk in after business hours and sometimes exit out the backdoor.

When 10 On Your Side searched for some of the massage parlors online, advertisements for Asian Dream Massage pictured scantily-clad women. The advertisement read “beautiful, friendly and sweet Asian girls waiting for you.”

Ofc. Kelly O’Sullivan with Chesapeake police said at least 10 people are in custody following the six searches, but no one has been arrested or charged yet.

In July 2015, Chesapeake City Council approved a set of code changes requiring that massage businesses come before council for a conditional use permit. This would ensure the businesses have proper licensing. The Chesapeake Planning Commission first explored the issue after concerns over some late night massage parlors that offer questionable services.

“We have a lot of people who are concerned about these establishments so I’m very curious to see what’s uncovered here,” said Adam Perry, Commissioner of the Chesapeake Planning Commission, on Friday.

“I’m happy that Chesapeake takes things like this seriously.”

This is a developing news story. Stay with WAVY News 10 online and on air for updates.

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