(WARREN, Ohio) – The Ohio Attorney General’s Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI), along with the Warren Police Department, served eight search warrants today in Trumbull County involving suspected criminal activity. The Warren Police Department asked for BCI’s help investigating numerous massage parlors in the city.
“This is a multifaceted investigation, which involves allegations of illegal sexual activity, possible human trafficking, and potential money laundering,” said Attorney General DeWine. “My office is committed to assisting communities like Warren to eliminate criminal activity, helping human trafficking victims, and putting criminals in prison.”
As many as 60 BCI agents, in conjunction with Warren Police officers, served search warrants at the following locations this morning:
- Fantasy Spa
1523 Youngstown Road SE, Warren, OH
- Fuji Spa
1446 Parkman Road NW, Warren, OH
- Gemini Health Spa
2414 Youngstown Road SE, Warren, OH
- Hong Kong Spa
2019 W. Market Street SW, Warren, OH
- Hot Sun Spa
2819 W. Market Street NW, Warren, OH
- Moon Night Spa
3875 Youngstown Road SE, Warren, OH
- Ocean Spa
2000 North Road SE, Warren, OH
- Tokyo Health Spa
2970 Parkman Road NW, Warren, OH
BCI’s investigation began in July 2011, after the Warren Police Department requested help looking into activity at Warren massage parlors. Working with Trumbull County Prosecutor Dennis Watkins, the BCI investigation has led to today’s search warrants, during which agents will interview witnesses and gather evidence. The Ohio Attorney General’s Office and Prosecutor Watkins will evaluate whether a nuisance action should be filed in an effort to close these locations.
“Besides the Warren Police Department’s concern in this matter, community groups reached out directly to our office with their plea for help,” said DeWine. “We now ask for the public’s help with information that could aid us in this extensive investigation.”
Anyone with information about the locations where the search warrants were served should call BCI at 855-BCI-OHIO.
Media Contacts:
Dan Tierney: 614-466-3840
Jill Del Greco: 614-466-3840