DC Club Owner From MoCo Charged With Soliciting Prostitution: PD

BETHESDA, MD — Seth Hurwitz — the co-owner of two popular D.C. music venues — has been charged with soliciting prostitution from a massage therapist, according to Montgomery County Police. Authorities arrested the 60-year-old Bethesda resident on Wednesday, as he was entering the massage business.

Hurwitz is owner of the 9:30 Club and The Anthem in D.C. He is also the chairman of I.M.P. Concerts — a concert and production company that operates Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia. All three venues have hosted popular musical acts including Hootie & The Blowfish, Thomas Rhett, T.I., Blink-182, and Billie Eilish.

On Aug. 16, the victim — a licensed massage and physical therapist — told police that Hurwitz solicited prostitution at her place of work. Authorities have not released the name of the victim's business to protect her identity.

The victim told detectives that Hurwitz made sexual comments and inappropriate sexual motions during a massage session on Aug. 15. At one point, he implied to the victim that she'd get a larger tip if she performed sexual acts. Authorities said he also left a roll of money on the floor, in plain sight, in the massage room.

"Twice during the interaction, Hurwitz asked the victim if she would consider coming to his home and providing a massage," police said.

The massage therapist reportedly declined his offer and "ended the massage early due to Hurwitz's increasing inappropriate sexual behavior," police said in a statement.

Hurwitz texted and called her the following day, asking if she would come to his Bethesda home. Police said detectives were with the victim during their exchange, in which Hurwitz agreed to pay cash in exchange for sexual favors. In a follow-up text message conversation, Hurwitz told the victim he'd come to her place of business on Aug. 21.

When he came to meet her that day, Hurwitz was arrested and taken to the Central Processing Unit in Rockville where he was charged with solicitation for prostitution. Police said he was released on a $5,000 bond.

"Due to statements Hurwitz made during conversations with the victim about having similar arrangements with other women, investigators believe that there may be additional victims," police said.

Anyone who believes that she is a victim is asked to call detectives at 240-773-5958.