Masseuse Charged with Prostitution Takes Plea Deal

A plea deal will keep Lori Barron, owner of a local massage and weight loss spa arrested on prostitution charges this spring, out of jail.

According to documents filed at Salem District Court, Barron, 48, of Salem, agreed to plead guilty on June 15 to two new misdemeanor charges.

Court complaints stated she was originally charged with two counts of prostitution on May 13. The complaints alleged the activity took place during January and February.

Also arrested and charged with two counts of prostitution counts was Susan Choi, 39, of Manchester, an employee of Barron's at ETEA Weight Loss Spa at 282 Main Street.

According to the agreement, the prostitution charges against Barron have been dropped. Barron pleaded guilty to one misdemeanor count of "obscenity," for "knowingly directing an obscene act or performance." She received a one-year suspended jail sentence on this count "on the condition of good behavior."

A guilty plea for a misdemeanor count of simple assault resulted in a $250 fine and a $60 penalty assessment for Barron. The charge stated she had "unprivileged physical contact" with a victim.

As part of the agreement, Barron must "relinquish her massage therapist's license and shall not open or manage a massage therapist's business in Salem for 10 years."

Choi's next court appearance will be a pretrial conference scheduled for July 26.