LINDON — After a month-long investigation into a home-based massage business, police executed a search warrant and arrested five people believed to be involved in what was really a prostitution operation.
On Tuesday officers from Lindon, Orem, Sandy and the Utah County Major Crimes Task Force served the warrant at the home located near 1550 West and 600 North, Lindon Police Chief Cody Cullimore said.
After searching the home they arrested Brenda Joy Anderson, 58, for investigation of two counts of exploiting prostitution, a third-degree felony; one count of violation of the Massage Therapy Practice Act, a class A misdemeanor; and one count of prostitution, a class B misdemeanor, court documents show.
Cullimore said they also arrested Troy Penrod, 38, for investigation of possession of a firearm by a restricted person, a third-degree felony, and possession of drug paraphernalia, a class B misdemeanor. Sarah Elisabeth Penrod, 27; Temperance Kay Penrod, 19; and Shalecia Watson, 19, each were arrested for investigation of one count of prostitution, a class B misdemeanor.
"This investigation began after complaints were received from clients legitimately seeking massages that sexual acts were being offered for money at the home," Cullimore said in a news release.
Cullimore said indications are that the illegal business, known as "A Joyfull Massage," had been operating at the home for more than a year.
An affidavit of probable cause said that the owner of the business was Anderson and that she and other employees would perform the intimate services in exchange for money.
The investigation is ongoing, and Cullimore said that the addition of more charges against the five arrested, and other people, is likely.
— Ethan Thomas