Explanation
Recent investigations conducted by the Columbus Division of Police, Vice Section, as well as the Franklin County Sheriff's Office highlight the need for stronger ordinances governing the massage industry within the City of Columbus. Since 2001 both the Columbus Police and the Sheriff's Office have been receiving complaints about prostitution activity occurring at several massage establishments within the City. These complaints have come from law enforcement officers, neighbors of the establishments, as well as unsuspecting customers who thought they were getting a massage, and were instead offered sex acts in exchange for money. This proposed legislation addresses the shortcomings of the current code that came to light only after the most recent changes were made to the massage ordinances. It will provide law enforcement with better tools to combat the prostitution inside the establishments, and provide those in need of massage therapy a clearer understanding of the difference between those individuals licensed by the State and those registered by the City.
During a series of investigations into the massage establishments licensed by the City, the Columbus Police and the Franklin County Sheriff's Office have obtained the elements for soliciting and/or prostitution on twenty separate occasions. Multiple search warrants have been executed at the establishments, and two women have been charged with felony counts of promoting prostitution. This legislation restricts the activity permitted in a registered establishment and prohibits the type of behavior that has proven to be a segue into prostitution activity. Moreover, the power of inspection as granted by this legislation will allow both law enforcement and licensing personnel to enter the establishments and ensure compliance with the Code. These changes, among others, are effective tools to dissuade those who have been using massage establishments for the purpose of prostitution fr...
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