Woman Arrested as Medford Cracks Down on 'Bodywork' Spas

Medford officials are trying to crack down on “bodywork” spas in town that might be offering shady sexual services to its customers.

On Wednesday morning, Medford police arrested at least one person during raids on two of these spas after a monthlong investigation, according to a Wicked Local report.

»Via Wicked Local

A woman, who police did not identify, was arrested at Asian Body Work, 34 Riverside Ave., after police claim she offered an undercover detective sexual service for money, the report stated. No information about whether any arrests were made during the raid of the other spa, which was not named in the report.

The issue over ”bodywork” spas, which was brought up at last month’s City Council meeting, has been gaining momentum since the opening of Asian Body Work in Medford Square, according to another Wicked Local report. Residents and city officials have been worried that this type of business trades in illegal sexual acts behind a front of legal massages, the report stated.

»RELATED: New ‘bodywork’ spa draws outrage from Medford residents

Critics of Asian Body Work also were upset after finding that the spa advertises on Backpage, a classifieds website, the report stated. The ad touting the spa’s grand opening shows women in lingerie and offers ”star acupressure, “ Swedish and deep tissue massages and “very clean rooms that gives [sic] that perfect feeling.”

Backpage recently made headlines in the Boston area after law enforcement officials claim two men used the site to target prostitutes and rob them at gunpoint. The men are accused of shooting and killing an escort from New York City in a Burlington hotel room earlier this month.

»RELATED: Should Attorney General Go After Backpage Over Hotel Murder?

Medford also has a history of spa workers being accused of offering sexual favors to their customers. In 2012, two women from two separte spas were arrested and charged with illegal sexual conduct for a fee as part of an investigation by Medford police, the state’s Division of Professional Licensure and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Employees at Asian Body Work told Wicked Local the spa does not offer sexual services, but officials are still consulting nearby communities to see how they regulate these types of businesses, the report stated. Towns such as Plymouth require “bodywork” spas to license employees and allow police and health workers to inspect the businesses, the report added.

»RELATED: Arrests Not Enough to Shut Down Massage Parlors

Ultimately, city officials say they want to create a host of “bodyworks” spa regulations that discourage these types of businesses from settling down in Medford, the report stated.

YOUR TURN: What do you think Medford should do about shady “bodyworks” spas? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments section.