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MILLCREEK — Unfied police conducting an undercover investigation at a massage parlor arrested three people, including the owner, on Tuesday.
Detectives had been investigating alleged misconduct at Spheres Spa, 2715 E. 3300 South. Two undercover officers went to the business at different times Tuesday, allegedly to get Reiki massages, said Unified police detective Jared Richardson.
Reiki massages are holistic medicine that focuses on creating energy but does not include traditional rubbing of muscles. Both undercover officers reported that despite going in for Reiki massages, they were immediately given traditional massages. Reiki massages do not require licensing, unlike traditional hands-on treatments, Richardson said.
At the end of the massages, both detectives were propositioned with sexual acts, he said.
Two women were arrested for investigation of prostitution and not having a license for giving massages. The business owner, who Richardson said had been previously warned, was arrested for investigation of exploiting prostitution and aiding prostitution. Investigators say Jose Santos Ojeda, 44, of Provo, was taking half of the women's profits, allegedly to pay rent.
Court records show Ojeda is still involved in an ongoing 2007 case in 3rd District Court in which he was charged with two counts of communications fraud, both second-degree felonies.
