Bangkok Massage has been shut down after the Independence Township Board of Trustees voted unanimously June 15 to revoke the licenses of the business and the masseuses who work there.
The issue stems from an investigation by the Oakland County Sheriffs Department. On June 1, a female masseuse was ticketed for solicitation after she offered to perform sex acts on an undercover officer for $100.
In addition, on May 26 another undercover officer was solicited for $40. No charges were filed after this incident as the OCSD was attempting to build a case against the establishment.
The business? license was suspended by Supervisor Dale Stuart on June 3.
Attorney Gary Eisenberg, who represents the owners and several of the masseuses, attempted to persuade the board to reinstate the licenses. Eisenberg does not represent the masseuse ticketed.
‘The action of suspending the license of Bangkok Massage for the act of an individual incident is a harsh penalty,? Eisenberg said. ‘The company has made a significant investment in this location. I speak on behalf of the owners when I say they did not sanction this and this is not a policy of their company.?
The board also heard from Independence Township Fire Marshal Greg Olrich who searched the building as part of the investigation. Olrich told the board he found numerous fire code violations including evidence people were living in the basement.
‘In the basement there were a lack of exits, lack of emergency lighting and no smoke detectors. It is an improper use of that space,? Olrich said. ‘It is intended to be a mechanical room.?
Olrich said this was an ongoing problem with Bangkok Massage and that they had been cited in 2000 and 2002 for the same violations.
Eisenberg denied individuals were living in the basement, but rather was being used by employees during their breaks from work.
The board voted 7-0 to revoke the license.
‘When I suspended their licenses before I thought there was a threat to the public health, safety and welfare,? Stuart said. ‘Based on the arguments given here tonight my opinion does not change. I think it is appropriate to revoke the licenses of both the facility and the masseuses.?