4 Sandy Springs massage parlors shut down during investigating into alleged human trafficking, police say

Sandy Springs police have shut down four massage businesses in the city as part of an investigation into allegations of human trafficking and prostitution.

Authorities say they arrested three women during the execution of "Operation No Safe Haven."

According to the police department, officers executed search warrants at Pileo Therapy on Cliftwood Drive and Pearl Massage on Roswell Road on Thursday.

"The warrants were obtained following an investigation into numerous complaints alleging prostitution activities and human trafficking," the department said in a release.

As a result, both businesses were shut down along with Massage Springs and Jade Spa, which were both on Roswell Road.

Officers arrested two women, charging them with City Ordinance House of III Fame and solicitation for an illicit sexual act. A third woman was charged with solicitation for an illicit sexual act. Officials have not released the names of the women.

Residents surprised by sudden closures

People in Sandy Springs said they were surprised to learn four massage businesses were shut down following the police investigation.

The businesses are located along busy commercial corridors near homes, grocery stores and other retail shops.

Sam Harden, who lived in Sandy Springs for years and still shops in the area, said he was caught off guard by the news.

"I think people are going to be surprised," Harden said.

He said the most troubling part is the possibility that people may have been exploited.

"That is the most, frustrating part about it that's got to be debilitating for those folks that were a part of it," he said.

Sandy Springs Police said their case began with community complaints.

According to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, many human trafficking cases across the state begin with community tips. The Georgia Criminal Justice Coordinating Council said victims are often isolated and controlled, which can make exploitation difficult to detect without public reporting.

Police encouraged anyone with information about suspected human trafficking to report it.

Investigators are asking who may have information on suspected human trafficking or illicit massage businesses to call one of these numbers.

• National Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-888-373-7888 or text 233733
• Crime Stoppers Greater Atlanta: 404-577-TIPS (8477)
• Georgia Bureau of Investigation Human Trafficking Unit: gbi.georgia.gov
• Sandy Springs Police Department: 770-551-6900