COTTONWOOD HEIGHTS, Utah (KUTV) — Three people were arrested after a police investigation shut down two businesses connected to an alleged prostitution ring.
Officers with the Cottonwood Heights Police Department served search warrants Friday morning at two locations — one in a strip mall at Brighton Pointe, at a place called Sunny Day Spa, and another on South Greenfield Way and Fort Union Boulevard called Utah 1 Spa.
Both businesses have since been closed.
Police said an anonymous tip triggered the investigation.
“This led us to an investigation that indeed there was prostitution happening at these massage parlors, and we were able to go in, close them down, and arrest the people responsible,” Sgt. Gary Young said.
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Three adult women were arrested and booked into jail on prostitution-related charges. Sgt. Young said detectives are continuing to investigate whether the case could involve human trafficking and are still searching for additional individuals who may be connected.
The businesses had raised concerns among nearby workers even before police took action.
“We’ve just been wondering, what is this place? Where did it come from?” said Karen Walsh, who works near the Brighton Pointe location.
Walsh said the business felt suspicious due to its dark, tinted windows and restricted access. Along with the massage sign that said it was open late into the evening.
“You walk in, and it’s just a lobby room area. It’s almost like you had to be expected for them to open that door,” she said.
She and her coworkers once entered the business out of curiosity, but said no one responded to them.
“We’re all saying hello, hello, and nobody came out of the door. We were just standing there waiting,” Walsh said.
Police confirmed they needed translators while interviewing the women who were arrested and said they are believed to be from Asia, though no further details were released.
Those who work nearby said they are relieved the businesses have been shut down.
“That is very crazy to me, and I am very thankful they are busted,” Walsh said.
Police are encouraging anyone with information about these locations or similar businesses to contact them.
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