A stunning 200 people and counting have been charged in connection to prostitution crimes that took place in a Jupiter and Martin County massage parlors. The Orchids of Asia Day Spa located off of US Highway 1 is one of several massage spas that have been shut down in Palm Beach, Martin, and St. Lucie Counties due to prostitution and sex trafficking activity. Among the 200 people charged with solicitation of prostitution charges is Boston-based billionaire, Robert Kraft, owner of Super Bowl Champions the New England Patriots.
Palm Beach County Continues to Investigate Prostitution and Sex Trafficking
Some of these individuals are accused of paying for sexual services at Orchids of Asia Day Spa. Police claim to have video evidence of them engaging in the alleged illegal activities. According to police officials, Mr. Kraft was spotted at the spa on at least two occasions days before the Patriots won their sixth Super Bowl and faces a misdemeanor charge of soliciting a prostitute. He is not in police custody and denies the allegations against him.
A Group Effort
Fighting human trafficking in South Florida is proving to be an uphill battle; however, law enforcement agencies throughout the state are refusing to throw in the towel. Multiple law enforcement agencies have collaborated with the Palm Beach Sheriff’s Office in their efforts to put a stop to prostitution and sex trafficking in Palm Beach County, including:
- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security
- The Internal Revenue Service
- Jupiter Police Department
The extensive investigation has led to the shuttering of several businesses claiming to be massage parlors in South Florida. So far, numerous spas have closed, and several people have been taken into custody on sex trafficking charges, including the three Florida women suspected of operating the massage parlors.
Sex Trafficking and Prostitution Defense in West Palm Beach
When authorities uncover complex prostitution operations, they move quickly to arrest anyone suspected of being tied to the illegal activity. As a result, many people may be at risk of facing criminal charges for activity they did not engage in directly or indirectly.
Sex trafficking is a federal offense which may also be charged as a third-degree felony at the state level. A person who is convicted of sex trafficking may face a range of penalties, including incarceration in prison, registering as a sex offender, and steep fines. A conviction for sex trafficking can last a lifetime and affect a person’s personal and professional life.
Prostitution charges may not be as severe as charges of sex trafficking; however, these may also impact an offender’s reputation and relationships. Soliciting a prostitute is a second-degree misdemeanor offense that can quickly balloon into a more severe charge the more times the police catch the offender committing the same crime.
If you have been charged with a prostitution or sex trafficking offense in light of the massive crackdown in Palm Beach County, don’t hesitate to seek legal representation. Attorney Brian Gabriel of The Law Office of Gabriel & Gabriel has dedicated his extensive career to defending individuals with these and other kinds of criminal charges. He has over 30 years of experience protecting the rights of his clients in and out of court. Call 561-622-5575 or contact Mr. Gabriel for a free consultation.