PARKERSBURG, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Charges were issued earlier in the month as part of a multi-state, months-long investigation which currently remains ongoing.
The Parkersburg Police Department has indicated that, on November 1, 2022, investigators with the Parkersburg PD, the Parkersburg Violent Crimes and Narcotics Task Force, West Virginia State Police, Marietta Police Department, Washington County Sheriff’s Office, Noble County Sheriff’s Office, and Southeastern Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force, executed a series of search warrants at the BB Massage Spas located in Parkersburg, West Virginia and Marietta, Ohio.
Reports from the Parkersburg Police Department confirm that two women have been charged by the department for Prositution.
Victims of human trafficking discovered at this point were provided assistance in returning to their homes, with a local shelter providing temporary housing assistance in the situation.
Information gathered from the series of search warrants led investigators to an address located between Roane and Wirt Counties, wherein a subsequent search warrant was executed.
The joint investigation entailed first began in August of 2022 in conjunction with the Parkersburg Police Department, West Virginia State Police, Washington County Sheriff’s Office, Noble County Sheriff’s Office, Southeastern Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force, Ohio State Medical Board, and the West Virginia Massage Licensing Board.
Investigation assistance was also provided by the Parkersburg Police Department to the Gurnsey County, Ohio Sheriff’s and Homeland Security Investigations department regarding a search warrant which was executed on October 26, 2022 at Sophie’s Relax Massage on Southgate Parkway in Cambridge, Ohio.
Reports indicate that the investigation remains ongoing, with additional charges expected to emerge moving forward.
Additionally, any individuals with pertinent information regarding the investigation or with any knowledge of additional human trafficking victims are encouraged to make contact with the Parkersburg Police Department at (304) 424-8444.
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Human trafficking victims discovered, two women charged with prostitution in ongoing investigation
