WESTFIELD — After an extensive investigation, Westfield Police Department officers, along with State Police and Holyoke Police, carried out search warrants at Southampton Road Massage and Body Work and the residence of the owners in Holyoke.
The investigation revealed that the massage parlor, located at 282 Southampton Rd, was a front for illegal activities, where workers were coerced into performing sexual services for money.
According to authorities, the individuals working at the parlor were not paid wages but were allowed to keep only the tips from clients.
These workers were routinely replaced every few weeks with new individuals.
Owners Todd and Baushun Simonds of Holyoke were taken into custody and face several charges, including trafficking of persons for sexual servitude, deriving support from prostitution, and being the keeper of a house of ill fame.
During the arrest at their Holyoke home, multiple unsecured firearms were found.
The discovery has led to additional charges, which are pending in the Holyoke jurisdiction.
The police department has not released further details on the pending charges or the arraignment date for the Simonds.
