Arrests made at two Newberg businesses on allegations of promoting prostitution

A pair of local businesses are imperiled today on allegations they were promoting prostitution in the Newberg area.

According to a release from the Newberg-Dundee Police Department, detectives were tipped off by community members that the businesses —Amber Massage and Lavender Foot Spa — were engaging in sexual acts in exchange for money.

The businesses — located at 2504 E. Portland Road and 2316 Portland Road, respectively — were investigated by NDPD detectives in June.

“Detectives contacted members of the Oregon Board of Massage Therapists to report the potential illegal activity,” the release said. “Investigators from this special division conducted their own undercover operations at both massage parlors and were propositioned in both businesses for sexual acts multiple times on multiple days, confirming the original reports from community members.”

Armed with warrants derived from their investigation, NDPD detectives and their counterparts from the Yamhill County Sheriff’s Office and McMinnville Police Department, as well as special investigators from the Oregon Board of Massage Therapists, searched both of the businesses.

“Both locations were found to be in possession of fraudulent massage licenses displayed inside the business,” the release said, adding that one business advertised “Asian Massage” on its store front. “Neither business was registered with the state of Oregon as a legitimate massage business.”

In addition, three unidentified individuals were arrested on charges relating to promoting prostitution, and the investigation may yield additional arrests “as more suspects in this criminal enterprise are uncovered,” the release said.

The investigation also determined many of the women working in the businesses appeared to be victims of human trafficking. As such, advocates from the Yamhill County Crime Victim Assistance office accompanied NDPD officers to ensure early access to services for potential victims.

“The (crime victim advocates) were able to offer potential victims medical treatment housing, and other emergency services to assist with the complicated aspects of being a victim of human trafficking,” the release said. “At least one person associated with the Lavender Foot Spa was transported to the hospital for medical care.”

The NDPD received further aid in the investigation with the help of the Yamhill County District Attorney’s office and FBI linguists who helped with translation during interviews.