W. Knox Co. massage parlor busted for prostitution

W. Knox Co. massage parlor busted for prostitution

By JILL MCNEAL
6 News Anchor/Reporter

KNOXVILLE (WATE) -- Knox County deputies busted a massage parlor they say was a front for prostitution. Hollywood Spa is in West Knox County on Murdock Drive off Lovell Road.

Complaints from neighbors started the investigation.

After two arrests, the owner of the building, who's cooperating with the investigation, says Hollywood Spa's lease is up.

An undercover officer says one female employee offered to perform a sex act for a price during his massage. Investigators also took her boss to jail.

Getting to this point took several weeks of investigation. Officers found reviews of the spa's erotic offerings on the Internet and did surveillance. They also sent in two other undercover officers who got massages, but nothing else.

"The first two weren't able to get any illegal acts, which is not unusual. And then the third one got the indication of an illegal act," says Sheriff's Office Attorney Carleton Bryant.

The woman who refused to give anything extra was allowed to leave.

"One of the young ladies in there may have been legitimate and didn't engage in illegal activity," Bryant says.

As officers were gathering evidence, such as the spa's security cameras, two men came through the front door. They weren't charged.

The employee was arrested for prostitution, which is a misdemeanor. The owner was arrested for promoting prostitution, which is a felony.