Clergy tip assists police in closing clandestine brothel

MANSFIELD — An ordinary middle-of-the-road storefront turned out to be more than meets the eye. Police reported they raided a massage parlor Wednesday afternoon at 1504 W. Fourth Street due to complaints of suspected prostitution and sexually-related activity at the business. It appears not only are the police on the beat, local clergy on duty as well.

The business in question is Tuina Studio, according to a news release from the METRICH Enforcement Unit. A group of area pastors worked with law enforcement officials regarding complaints at the business.

Massage parlor at 1504 West Fourth Street raided by police. (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)

According to the news release, “The search warrant was the result of a lengthy, ongoing investigation in reference to allegations of suspected prostitution and sexual related activity at the Tuina Studio, which is a massage parlor. A group of area pastors worked with law enforcement regarding the complaints at the business. As of now, the Tunia Studio is closed for business and the business was issued an eviction order by the property manager.

Fourteen pastors sent a letter to Mansfield Police Chief Ken Coontz and METRICH Commander Lieutenant Joe Petrycki stating: “While we are not certain human trafficking or any criminal activity is occurring at this business, we would greatly appreciate if our local law enforcement could investigate this situation.”

The clergy received reports that there were purportedly women living at the massage business and that a number of male customers frequent the business throughout the day and night hours. The clergy letter also stated that Asian women were allegedly involved.

“According to a report we received, there are purportedly women living at this massage business and a number of male customers that frequent this business throughout the day and night hours; allegedly Asian women are involved. In addition, high security measures exist at the location.”

Clergy letter written to Police

The letter stated, “According to a report we received, there are purportedly women living at this massage business and a number of male customers that frequent this business throughout the day and night hours; allegedly Asian women are involved. In addition, high security measures exist at the location.”

According to Lieutenant Petrycki, the business was issued an eviction order by the property manager.

“Detectives reported they seized an assortment of potential evidence. METRICH was assisted by Mansfield police and the local office of the FBI. METRICH and the FBI will follow up to identify any possible connections to human trafficking.”

Lieutenant Petrycki further stated that individuals with any additional information regarding Tuina Studio can call METRICH at 419-755-9728 or the Crime Tip Hotline at 419-52-CRIME (419-522-7463).

Editor’s Note: This Mansfield raid exposed a criminal network with a similar raid two months later on a business by the same name in Lancaster, Ohio.

The Bottom Line:

The Bible says in Leviticus Nineteen, “Do not profane your daughter by making her a prostitute, let the land fall into prostitution and the land become full of depravity.”

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