uReport

City of Bloomington, Indiana

closed: Submission Received #200965

Business:

Other: This week we discovered years of text messages related to prostitution on a relative's mobile phone. He is elderly and transitioning to a care home, the texts were found while getting things in order. Many were very recent (within days). The texts were related specifically to the owners of Indiana-based Asian massage parlors. The bother or close relative of the owner of a massage parlor busted in Columbus, IN owns a similar place, Lemongrass Foot Spa, 104 S Pete Ellis Dr, Bloomington, IN 47408: https://fox59.com/news/columbus-police-shut-down-massage-parlor-after-serving-warrant-for-alleged-prostitution/ Like the Columbus location, the establishment changed its name after operating under the same name as the Columbus location. Prior reviews online make clear that the business was a front for prostitution as the reviewers described the services in terms that would be generally understood to be "Happy Endings." In addition to prostitution, many of the women seem to participate in activities that border on, or may actually be, elder abuse, fraud (specifically address fraud), and theft. Based on what we've seen in the text messages, we believe some may also be here illegally. Obviously, I cannot say with certainty that crimes are currently being committed - but, that's where an investigation is needed. And, this is a where-there's-smoke-there's-fire situation. I've implored the people who've discovered this to turn it over to assist in an investigation, but it is a sensitive matter for the family. I do hope that this information is taken seriously and that some inquiry can be made to ensure any illegalities are addressed.

Assigned to
Ryan Pedigo

History

2/24/2025 09:29:15 Closed by Ryan Pedigo

Information sent to Detective Division for follow-up investigation.

Sent notification to Ryan Pedigo
https://bloomington.in.gov/crm/tickets/view?ticket_id=200965 Closed by Ryan Pedigo Information sent to Detective Division for follow-up investigation.

2/19/2025 16:49:52 Jane Kupersmith assigned this case to Ryan Pedigo

This one is for BPD!

Sent notification to Ryan Pedigo
https://bloomington.in.gov/crm/tickets/view?ticket_id=200965 Jane Kupersmith assigned this case to Ryan Pedigo You can use the link to follow progress on this case. This one is for BPD!

2/17/2025 18:06:40 Anonymous assigned this case to Jane Kupersmith

Sent notification to Jane Kupersmith
https://bloomington.in.gov/crm/tickets/view?ticket_id=200965 Anonymous assigned this case to Jane Kupersmith You can use the link to follow progress on this case.

2/17/2025 18:06:39 Opened by Anonymous