NEENAH, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Red Bean Massage in Neenah remains closed following three arrests that led to prostitution charges.
“It was relatively a new business; it had started up just in the last year,” said Neenah Police chief Kevin Wilkinson.
Last month, two owners were charged with keeping a place of prostitution and one person was arrested for committing the illegal act.
“This is the first we had that was a true massage parlor, a legitimate brick and motor business that has been open and advertisement with the sign-up front. We’ve dealt with more out of the home, single person type of business.”
Mayor Dean Kaufert tells FOX 11 those arrested at Red Bean Massage did not have therapy licenses and the city of Neenah didn’t require one.
But he said that could change.
“When we pass this ordinance, everyone who performs massage therapy, they will either have to be licensed by the state of Wisconsin or through the city of Neenah.”
In part, Kaufert says the proposed ordinance would allow law enforcement and health officials to inspect the premise of hygiene, cleanliness and illegal activity.
“We don’t want to interfere with the legitimate businesses that are being run by in someone’s home, but I think it’s helpful to know where they are, so if problems arise, we know how to address them.”
Wilkinson says sometimes those working in those types of businesses are actually victims of human trafficking.
“I think a lot of people look at these things and say ‘What’s the harm? There are no victims’, but there really is a victim. If you study these cases, almost universally, the people who are employed in these jobs, who are actually performing the illegal acts are victims of human trafficking, and they are treated really really poor and they are paid very very poorly. Typically they only make the money they get off of the tips from the illegal acts.”
Wilkinson and Kaufert agreed it’s important to take measures especially if it means preventing human trafficking.
The proposed ordinance is expected to go before the Neenah City Council next month.
