During the month of June 2024 Newberg-Dundee Police detectives learned through tips from community members that there were potentially two illicit businesses in the City of Newberg where sexual acts were being exchanged for money. These two businesses are Amber Massage and Lavender Foot Spa. Both businesses are located along Portland Road in the City of Newberg and at least one of the businesses advertise “Asian Massage” on the store front along the roadway.
Detectives contacted members of the Oregon Board of Massage Therapists to report the potential illegal activity. 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.
On July 17th, Newberg detectives, along with detectives from the Yamhill County Sheriff’s Office and McMinnville Police, executed search warrants on both businesses. They were accompanied by the special investigators from the Oregon Board of Massage Therapists. Both locations were found to be in possession of fraudulent massage licenses displayed inside the business. Neither business was registered with the State of Oregon as a legitimate massage business. In addition, three arrests were made for charges related to promoting prostitution and prostitution. This investigation is ongoing and may lead to additional arrests as more suspects in this criminal enterprise are uncovered.
It is important to note that many of the women involved in these illicit businesses are the victims of human trafficking. During the service of these warrants, the Newberg-Dundee Police were accompanied by advocates from the Yamhill County Crime Victim Assistance office, to ensure that any potential victims were connected to services as soon as possible. The CVA’s were able to offer potential victim’s medical treatment, housing, and other emergency services to assist with the complicated aspects of being a victim of human trafficking. At least one person associated with the Lavender Foot Spa was transported to the hospital for medical care.
The Newberg-Dundee Police Department would like to thank the following agencies for their assistance in this operation, the Oregon Board of Massage Therapists, The McMinnville Police Department, the Yamhill County Sheriff’s Office, and the Yamhill County District Attorney’s Office. Additionally, we would like to thank the FBI linguists stationed in Las Vegas who helped with translation during interviews.