Crime & Safety
Massage Parlor Investigated for Human Trafficking
Tampa police are looking into services offered at the Ocean Health Spa on Henderson Boulevard.
Tampa Police are investigating the Ocean Health Spa for possible human trafficking, after undercover detectives were offered sex in exchange for money at the Henderson Bouelvard business.
at the spa to determine if there are victims or suspects involved in human trafficking.
Ocean Spa Massage is owned by William R. Fields, who lives in Florida, according to TBO.com. The three women questioned by detectives at the business Thursday said they haven’t seen Fields, according to Tampa Police Chief Jane Castor.
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Neighbors said in interviews with media Thursday that patrons generally park behind the facility, and young female employees in lingerie sometimes stand outside.
An anonymous Crime Stoppers tip in October 2012 led detectives to the Ocean
Spa Massage. According to detectives, undercover officers entered the spa on two occasions, and were offered sex acts in exchange for money.
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A subsequent Health Department Inspection discovered multiple mattresses and personal belongings in a back room. When the Health Department visited, several of the female employees ran out the back door.
Detectives seized evidence during the search warrant and the investigation is ongoing.
Authorities also noted that multiple websites mention that the place is a hub for prostitution. Below are sites that authorities named, in support of executing the serach warrant:
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