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Police Raid Pocono Massage Salons

Three massage salons in Pocono Township were raided today for alleged prostitution @WNEP pic.twitter.com/K4j07x2m6S — Amanda Kelley (@wnepamandak) Decembe...

POCONO TOWNSHIP --  Police in Pocono Township say they've been investigating three massage parlors along Route 611 in the Bartonsville area of Monroe County for about two years.

Federal, state, and local officers raided the businesses Friday trying to clean up alleged prostitution activity.

Flashing lights surrounded the Tokyo Luxury Spa off Route 611 in the Bartonsville area and two women were escorted out and put in the back of a federal police car.

It's just one of three businesses in Pocono Township raided for alleged prostitution.

Officers say the investigation began because of resident complaints.

"It's basically the conscience and the sentiments of the residents here in Pocono Township that this is not to be tolerated, what we found in the investigation, which is prostitution," said Pocono Township Police Chief Kent Werkheiser.

The flashing lights were seen all over the Bartonsville area, outside American Dolls Spa in the Pocono Peddler's Village, and then again outside Affinity Massage.

Carl Hamilton was out finishing Christmas shopping and watched in surprise.

"To see the second set of lights and police cars, I'm saying, 'Oh, it looks like somebody dropped the dime on somebody.'"

These police raids were made possible after two years of investigating, and obtaining video and audio surveillance. Police say they have long suspected these businesses for alleged prostitution.

"This is the first time we were able to, through a joint effort, get concrete evidence that this was actually occurring."

Many nearby businesses and even residents did not want to comment on camera about the raids, but some are skeptical that this raid will change business practices in the township.

"It could, they change names and things like that. That's basically what they do."

Pocono Township leaders hope this sends a message to the property owners.

"This will not be tolerated, and they have to keep a better eye on their properties, what they're being used for, and we will go that route to try and make this township an unwelcome haven for this kind of behavior."

The Monroe County District Attorney's office, county detectives, the Department of Homeland Security and the PA Department of State were all involved in today's raid.

Officers could not tell us just yet how many people in total are involved but they are all expected to face charges of prostitution.

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