Women arrested after prostitution sting at Madisonville massage and spa, police say - WEVV

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MADISONVILLE, Ky. (WEVV) — Two women were arrested and charged with prostitution-related offenses following an investigation at a Madisonville business. Authorities say the investigation began in early September at Total Tranquility Spa and Massage after several complaints were made by the public.

According to the Madisonville Police Department, an undercover detective entered the business on Thursday and arranged to pay one of the employees for sex. Once the arrangement was made, officers immediately executed a search warrant at the spa.

During the search, police found a man, identified as Robert Romans, in one of the massage rooms. Romans admitted to paying for sexual services on multiple occasions and was cited for Soliciting Prostitution before being released.

Police questioned the women involved, and one of them admitted that the money earned was being sent to a third-party "boss," with both women receiving tips for their services. Both women were arrested and charged with Engaging in Organized Crime, as authorities believe their actions were part of a larger operation.

“We charged them with Engaging in Organized Crime because prostitution is an element of that charge. They were collecting money but then giving it to a third party,” said Jason McKnight with the Madisonville Police Department.

Investigators are continuing to examine the financial arrangements and whether the women were part of a broader criminal network. While police are exploring the possibility of human trafficking, they currently do not believe it is involved in this case.

"With crimes like this, we’re always looking for the human trafficking aspect, but for now, it doesn’t look like that’s a part of it,” McKnight said. “Just dependent on where our investigation goes and what we can glean from other pieces of evidence.”

Officers confirmed they had been conducting surveillance of the business since September 4th, stopping customers as they left the spa, which further confirmed their suspicions. Police had received complaints passed to them through city officials, prompting the investigation after a woman visited the spa seeking a legitimate massage but reported suspicious behavior.

Madisonville police say they are now focusing their investigation on the individuals receiving the money funneled through the two women. Both women were booked into the Hopkins County Jail on organized crime charges, with further legal action pending.