Police and federal authorities search massage parlor in Cheektowaga

BUFFALO, NY – Officers from the Cheektowaga Police Department, New York State and the Department of Homeland Security raided a massage parlor in Cheektowaga on Tuesday for allegedly operating an illegal business involving cash for sex.

Sources told 2 On Your Side that law enforcement officials who executed a search warrant at Little Foot Spa, 4347 Union Road, also suspect human trafficking.

Police became aware of the spa’s online ads for sexual services after an upcoming 2 On Your Side investigation found several spas operating in Erie County that appeared to offer more than just massages.

“In this case, we are extremely grateful to Channel 2, who caught wind of the story and brought it to our attention,” said Cheektowaga Police Captain Jeffrey Schmidt. “That gave us the opportunity to step in, investigate and try to help the victims.”

Police suspect the spa’s operators are trafficking vulnerable women in a scheme similar to one alleged at a recent Lockport spa raid. Linian Song, the Lockport spa’s owner, remains in federal custody on prostitution charges.

2 On Your Side Investigates has been investigating the Cheektowaga Spa, located 0.2 miles from Maryvale High School, as well as other spas in Erie County for over a month.

In addition to the online advertisements, employees of several spa establishments sent text messages informing them that they offered sexual services (often referred to as “happy endings”) in their establishments.

2 On Your Side also conducted surveillance at several spas, which showed a steady stream of men entering and leaving the spas starting in the late afternoon. Anti-trafficking experts say an exclusively male clientele is an indication that prostitution and human trafficking may be taking place.

Police spent more than two hours at the Union Road store. They made no arrests but seized bags full of evidence, including receipts, phones and a DVD player.

Police also tried to gain access to a group of apartments adjacent to the store where some of the workers lived. When human trafficking is suspected, police try to separate the women from those controlling them. At least five women were tracked down in the store and adjacent apartments, police said.

“There is still a lot of investigation to be done in this case and our investigators must find out how the victims came to our country and what put them in a position to be forced into sexual acts,” said Schmidt.

Charlie Specht’s investigation into Erie County spas will air on June 5.

This is a developing story, please check back later for further updates.