This is a developing story. ABC4 will update this post as new information becomes available.
ROY, Utah (ABC4) — Four massage parlors in northern Utah were searched by police Thursday morning as part of a human trafficking and prostitution investigation, according to the Roy Police Department.
Sgt. Josh Taylor, public information officer for RPD, said officers raided the businesses at 10 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 9, gathering information on possible crimes including human trafficking, prostitution, fraud, and money laundering.
Officers searched the buildings and interviewed employees, but have not yet made any arrests. Officials said the employees interviewed, including the massage therapists, are believed to be victims in this case.
These raids were part of an ongoing investigation that Roy detectives have been working on for some time. Taylor said detectives had received complaints from community members about the parlors, some of whom were customers and allegedly witnessed sexual acts while at the business. In one instance, a resident told police they observed people arriving and leaving the business at “odd hours” outside of the regular work day.
Taylor said detectives are continuing the investigation with the information they received from the Thursday raids. There is no further information at this time.