HALL COUNTY, Ga. — Seven women have been arrested on sex charges in an undercover sting operation at massage businesses in Hall County.
One of the accused is 71 years old.
The business on McIver Road was yanked of its license by the city of Gainesville.
Following complaints and tips, Hall County sheriff's investigators conducted an undercover operation at seven massage businesses.
They say at five of the seven businesses, workers offered sex for hire.
"It's kind of rare to hear things like that around here," said Jesus Gomez, a frequent visitor to the small shopping center that had been home to the massage business.
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Jamey Bunch's burger restaurant is just a few doors down from the massage place.
"We had seen a lot of cops, we had no idea what was going on over there," he said. "Every once in a while you'd see a stray car park here to go over there, and I'd think, why are you parking in front of my businesses to go over there."
The Sheriff's Office says as part of the undercover sting, investigators worked to determine if anyone involved was a victim of sex trafficking.
"Fortunately they didn't find any violations as far as human trafficking goes. But they're going to be out there keeping their eyes out for sure," said Derrick Booth, with the Sheriff's Office.
Another business owner nearby was glad to hear of the crackdown on the massage parlor, which is across the street from a prominent church.
"Prostitution is bad," said business owner Hailey Espinosa.
The Sheriff's Office says all the women arrested have been released on bond.
Cox Media Group
