Massage Parlor Sexual Misconduct Must Be Reported: St. Charles

ST. CHARLES, IL — St. Charles officials are taking a step to help prevent sexual misconduct at massage parlors amid a scandal involving a local massage parlor. Aldermen gave preliminary approval Monday to amend the licensing laws requiring all massage parlor employees to report sexual misconduct to the police, according to the Daily Herald.

"All employees, managers and agents of a massage establishment are mandated reporters and shall immediately report to the St. Charles Police Department without delay any sexual misconduct that is observed or any allegations of sexual misconduct that are reported," the city's agenda item summary says.

The move is meant to "legitimize massage practices within St. Charles and strengthen our existing ordinance," according to city paperwork.

Over 180 claims of sexual assaults at Massage Envy establishments around the country are what sparked Alderman Maureen Lewis to push for the change. "According to the news, not reporting the assaults was part of the problem as to why they were having issues," Lewis said, according to the Daily Herald. "So I'm glad we're a trailblazer here."

Failing to report sexual misconduct as mandated, if the amendment passes, will only result in a fine or another business penalty, the Herald reported.

Mayor Ray Rogina and Police Chief James Keegan are endorsing the measure.

Cops are required to notify the authorities when they "see or hear of neglect or abuse," Keegan said according to the Herald. "We're going to put the same onus on folks that work at our massage businesses. If they see it, they hear it; they have to notify the St. Charles Police Department. This is unprecedented waters, but we're happy to set the trend."

The amendment to the licensing law will be voted on Jan. 8.

The Shangri-La Spa & Sauna is facing the potential of having their business license revoked as a result of a prostitution sting earlier this year.

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