Police raid Johns Creek massage parlor

JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Johns Creek police raided what they believe to be an illegal massage parlor and shut it down.

Channel 2's Mike Petchenik got exclusive images of the Tuesday raid and arrests. So far, police have cited five people on charges of operating without a business license, but they are pursuing more serious charges as the investigation continues.

Police said they've been investigating Sapphire Massage for three weeks. They called it an illegal sex operation, saying the owner advertises the business as an escort service online.

On Wednesday, Petchenik confronted co-owner Terrence Napier, who maintained his innocence. When asked if there were prostitutes working inside, Napier said, "Absolutely not."

Surveillance pictures, provided by Napier, show officers scouring the Medlock Bridge Road storefront.

"We got numerous complaints about the business that was going on in there," Johns Creek police Lt. Chris Byers said.

He said investigators searched it after responding to a disorderly conduct call and are investigating illicit sexual activity.

"During the search warrant, they took computers. They took video cameras. They took multiple things that they're using to look further into the sexual things that are going on there," Byers said.

A witness gave Petchenik pictures of officers hauling off women in handcuffs.

General Manager Contessa Grant said she was among those arrested.

"They called me a hooker.  No, I'm not a hooker.  None of the girls do any of that, and they didn't catch anybody doing anything anyway, because nobody was here," she said.

WSBTV