Police raid Cheektowaga massage parlor after investigation 2 On Your Side

BUFFALO, N.Y. — Cheektowaga police, New York State Police and Homeland Security agents raided a Cheektowaga massage parlor Tuesday for allegedly running an illicit business that traded money for sex .

Law enforcement personnel who executed a search warrant at Little Foot Spa, 4347 Union Rd., also suspect human trafficking, sources told 2 On Your Side.

Police were alerted to the spa's online advertisements selling sexual services after an upcoming 2 On Your Side investigation revealed that several spas operating in Erie County appeared to offer more than massages.

“In this case, we are extremely grateful to Channel 2, who caught wind of the story and brought it to our attention,” Cheektowaga Police Capt. Jeffrey Schmidt said. “It gave us the opportunity to go in, investigate and try to help these victims.” »

Police suspect the spa operators of trafficking vulnerable women in a scheme that resembles one allegedly carried out at a recently raided spa in Lockport. Lockport spa owner Linian Song remains in federal custody on interstate prostitution charges.

2 On Your Side Investigates has been investigating the Cheektowaga Spa located 0.2 miles from Maryvale High School, as well as other spas in Erie County for over a month.

In addition to online advertisements, employees of several spas indicated via text messages that they were offering sexual services (often referred to as a “happy ending”) on their premises.

2 On Your Side also conducted surveillance at several spas that showed a steady stream of men coming and going from the spas starting late in the afternoon. Anti-human trafficking experts say an exclusively male clientele is an indication of possible prostitution and human trafficking.

Police spent more than two hours at the Union Road premises. They made no arrests but left with bags of evidence including items such as receipts, phones and a DVD player.

Police were also trying to gain access to a group of apartments adjacent to the company where some workers lived. When human trafficking is suspected, police say they try to separate women from those controlling them. At least five women were in the business and adjoining apartments, police said.

“There is still a lot of investigation to be done in this case, and our detectives are going to have to understand how – how the victims are brought to our country, which put them in a position where they are forced into sexual acts. “Schmidt said.

Charlie Specht's investigation into Erie County spas airs June 5.

This is a developing story. Please check back for more updates.