The Columbus City Attorney and Franklin County Sheriff announced their offices have shut down a massage parlor that investigators said was a front for illegal sex acts.
Authorities were able to get an emergency court order to vacate and shutter Purple Clouds Spa, located at 5322 North High Street, near the border between Columbus and Worthington.
According to a press release, the location was listed on a website known to track Asian spas for possible sexual favors.
This is the second time in two months that both agencies have partnered to shut down a potential human trafficking ring operating out of a massage parlor.
In April, the joint task force boarded up Sunflower Asian Spa on the far west side. The city attorney also helped Hilliard when it filed similar cases against two other massage parlors.
“We’re going to continue aggressively going after these businesses that really are nothing more than illegal fronts for human trafficking and prostitution,” said Columbus City Attorney Zach Klein. “I want to thank the Franklin County Sheriff’s office for working with us on these cases, and hope that we’re sending a message to the rest of the bad operators out there: our task force is looking for you and if you don’t clean up your act, it’s only a matter time before we find you and shut you down.”
According to the release, detectives from the sheriff’s office began investigating the spa in February for potential prostitution and human trafficking after the business was listed on the tracking website.
According to court documents, investigators obtained evidence that sexual conduct in exchange for money was happening regularly at the spa.
Authorities said patrons paid $60 upfront for an hour-long massage and were led to a back room. Workers would perform illegal sex acts during the massage with one individual offering an undercover detective a coupon for $5 off his next visit.
“Working in partnership with City Attorney Klein’s office demonstrates to everyone in Franklin County that we are all committed to closing down any business that deals in human trafficking or prostitution,” said Franklin County Sheriff Dallas Baldwin. “Today’s action is the culmination of the great work done, once again, by our special investigations unit over the past several months. I am proud of their accomplishment.”
A hearing for preliminary and permanent injunctive relief is scheduled for June 10.
