Human trafficking in Florida massage parlors: What happened in Vero Beach and Sebastian?
VERO BEACH — A six-month investigation revealed human traffickers were luring vulnerable girls to massage parlors in Indian River County, where they were coerced into working as prostitutes, police announced Thursday.
Ten spas from the Orlando area through the Treasure Coast into Palm Beach County were shut down Tuesday as law enforcement began making arrests.
Vero Beach Police Chief David Currey said he believes the investigation "put a heck of a dent in human trafficking and sex trade" locally.
Indian River County agencies issued warrants for 173 people, on charges ranging from human trafficking to racketeering to soliciting prostitution.
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More than 50 of the 165 men accused of paying for sex acts had been arrested as of Thursday night. Many are from Brevard and St. Lucie counties. They ranged in age from 19 to 84.
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Where were the spas?
Five spas with ties to Indian River County were shut down in Tuesday raids:
East Spa: 2345 14th Ave., Suite 10, Vero Beach
AA Massage: 1547 U.S. 1, Sebastian
East Sea Spa: 13401 U.S. 1, Sebastian
East Spa: 1410A Gene St., Winter Park
Rainbow Spa: 1809-2 E. Colonial Drive, Orlando
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Currey said many came from China on temporary work visas, indebted to the the brokers who helped them reach America, but believing legitimate jobs awaited them.
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Bank records revealed the spa owners also paid for Backpage.com advertisements.
https://www.tcpalm.com/story/news/crime/indian-river-county/2019/02/21/human-trafficking-florida-massage-parlors-vero-beach-sebastian/2920354002/