In March, 2023, Newark Police received an anonymous tip that the Nice Beauty Spa, located at 1164 Elkton Road in Newark, was operating a massage business and offering sex acts in exchange for money, according to Lt. Andrew Rubin.
Rubin said officers from the Newark Police Department’s Street Crimes Unit opened an investigation and determined that the Delaware Division of Professional Regulation previously denied a permit for the business to operate a licensed massage establishment. Officers conducted an undercover operation at the business and determined that prostitution was occurring and the business was continuing to operate without the proper state license said Rubin.
On May 10, 2023, Newark police officers, assisted by the Delaware Department of Justice, FBI Human Trafficking Task Force and the Delaware Division of Professional Regulation, executed a search warrant at the Nice Beauty Spa and the business was closed by the Division of Professional Regulation due to numerous observed violations Rubin said. Three victims, who are believed to be victims of human trafficking, were contacted and connected with available services by Newark Police Victim Services and FBI Victim Services.
One male was arrested for patronizing a prostitute and released on a criminal summons.
The location of this establishment is near the Maryland State Line, across Elkton Road from Newark Charter High School.