DE PERE, Wis (WFRV) Two women were recently arrested in a prostitution sting in De Pere, allegedly run out of massage parlor. And according to police some of the customers were teen boys.
At the Oriental Spa on Main Avenue in De Pere, all is quiet – the building empty – a dumpster out in front. But for an unknown period of time police say two women broke the law here. One for allowing – the other performing – sex acts for cash.
“The one on the lease was charged with keeping a house of prostitution – the other with prostitution,” said Officer Jedd Bradley from the De Pere Police Department.
Bradley says their investigation began with a tip one year ago. Officers began video surveillance and soon grew suspicious.
“All males going in based on the investigation, which is uncommon,” said Bradley.
But the age of some of the clients was disturbing.
“The investigators learned that we had juveniles going into the business participating in sex acts.”
Teens as young as 16-years-old who worked with police to provide information.
“They met with investigators and gathered intelligence – which prompted a search warrant for the premise and the search warrant was executed.”
A February raid turned up thousands of dollars in cash, led to the arrests and closed the spa down. A nearby business owner says the age of some clients causes him concern.
“It was pretty shocking to hear about teenagers going over there,” said Burt Holez who owns 3rd Dimension Tattoo & Piercing. “Showing the times and how things are changing – spreading out from bigger cities to little cities.”
The two suspects have since been released from jail and the investigation continues.
Another business was raided by police in Ashwaubenon. The location has not been released.