Edison Massage Parlor Cited in Statewide Prostitution Crackdown

Bliss Spa in Edison is among 17 massage parlors across New Jersey cited in a coordinated statewide operation targeting businesses suspected of promoting prostitution. The multi-agency crackdown, led by the New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice, resulted in multiple arrests and the identification of potential human trafficking victims at several locations.

Authorities executed simultaneous search warrants at the establishments on Monday morning following months of surveillance and undercover operations that documented evidence of illegal sexual services being offered for payment, according to New Jersey 101.5.

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Operation Details

The coordinated raids involved more than 150 law enforcement officers from multiple agencies, including the New Jersey State Police, Division of Criminal Justice, local police departments, and federal partners from Homeland Security Investigations. The operation targeted massage parlors in eight counties across the state.

“This was the culmination of a six-month investigation into a network of illicit massage businesses operating under the guise of legitimate spa services,” said Attorney General Matthew Platkin at a Tuesday press conference. “These establishments were not only breaking the law but also potentially exploiting vulnerable individuals.”

At Bliss Spa in Edison, investigators arrested owner Daniela DiLenno, 38, on charges of promoting prostitution, maintaining a nuisance, and money laundering. Similar charges were filed against owners and managers at the other locations, according to NJ.com.

Human Trafficking Concerns

A significant focus of the operation was identifying potential victims of human trafficking. Authorities found evidence suggesting some workers at these establishments may have been trafficked or coerced into providing sexual services.

“Several individuals we encountered exhibited classic signs of trafficking victimization,” said Colonel Patrick Callahan of the New Jersey State Police. “Many had their identification documents held by others, lived on the premises, worked excessive hours, and appeared to be isolated from broader society.”

Social service agencies and victim advocates were present during the raids to provide immediate assistance, including temporary housing, medical care, and immigration services where needed. Officials confirmed that at least 12 potential trafficking victims were identified across the raided locations.

Business Operations and Evidence

The investigation revealed that many of the targeted businesses followed similar operational patterns. Most advertised on websites known to promote illicit sexual services, used coded language to indicate availability of such services, maintained unusual hours, and employed security measures such as buzzer entry systems and covered windows.

“These were not legitimate massage therapy businesses,” said Edison Police Chief Thomas Bryan. “In the case of Bliss Spa, they lacked proper licensing, employed workers without massage therapy credentials, and operated primarily late at night when legitimate massage businesses would typically be closed.”

During the raids, authorities seized approximately $380,000 in cash across all locations, business records, electronic devices, and surveillance equipment. At Bliss Spa alone, investigators recovered $42,000 in cash and client ledgers allegedly documenting illegal services, according to MyCentralJersey.com.

Legal Consequences and Prevention

Those arrested face significant legal penalties if convicted. Third-degree promoting prostitution carries potential sentences of 3-5 years in state prison and fines up to $15,000, while money laundering charges could result in additional penalties based on the amounts involved.

“This operation sends a clear message that New Jersey will not tolerate businesses that exploit vulnerable individuals and engage in criminal activity,” said Attorney General Platkin. “We will continue to investigate and prosecute those who profit from illegal sexual services.”

As part of the ongoing effort to combat such operations, state officials announced new measures to enhance regulation of massage establishments, including more frequent inspections, stricter licensing requirements, and a public awareness campaign about human trafficking warning signs.

All 17 businesses have been issued municipal code violations and orders to cease operations pending compliance inspections. Local officials in the affected communities are also reviewing business license requirements to prevent similar operations from reopening under new names.

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