Police in North Haven and East Haven executed search warrants in connection with an investigation into alleged prostitution, according to East Haven police.
In North Haven, police raided Shiatsu Spa, at 444 Washington Avenue, a suspected front for prostitution Thursday morning, police said.
Officials said police and the FBI have been investigating the spa for months.
It was just one of four search warrants issued on Thursday in East Haven and North Haven in connection with a joint investigation into alleged prostitution, according to East Haven Police.
The East Haven raids were conducted on a private residence, the Tokyo Leisure Club at 214 Main Street and the Zodiac Health Studio at 190 Main Street.
Officials in North Haven were happy to learn about the raids.
“There’s been a wide variety of suspected nefarious activities going on here, and quite frankly, I’m disgusted with it and have been for quite some time,” Michael Freda, First Selectman of North Haven, said.
Officials said arrests are pending.
Neighboring businesses said the Shiatsu Spa has been there for years, operating behind boarded-up windows and locked doors.
Debi Ramsey, of Beauty Mark Hair Studio, said she has always known that there was something fishy going on next door to her hair salon.
When North Haven Police showed up this morning, they told her to get inside while they raided the spa next door.
“You kind of knew something was going on. You never really see the girls. You don’t see anyone except men going in there,” Ramsey said. “One Tuesday morning, I came in with my 6-year-old, and there was some activity going on in front of the store, and I got him in the car and left. I said to my husband, I don’t believe this.”
Dr. Maxwell Mitchell, of Advanced Physical Medicine, said the open sign was on pretty much all throughout the day, all night.
“I know I’ve driven past here after the gym, things like that, and (the) open sign is on very late at night. Things shouldn’t be open 11 o’clock, midnight,” he said.
No arrests have been made, police said.
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