Statesboro council suspends massage‑business license for two weeks after police undercover operation

The Statesboro Mayor and Council on Feb. 21 voted to suspend the business license for a massage business at 609 Blaine Street for two weeks, following a police investigation that included an undercover officer.

Council action came after Captain Jared Agents of the Statesboro Police Department described an investigation that began with anonymous tips and culminated in an undercover operation in November. Captain Jared Agents told the council an undercover officer was escorted to a private room at the business and that “during the course of the massage, that particular masseuse conducted a [sex act] on the officer.” Agents said officers then arrested the performing employee and later established probable cause to arrest a second individual for “keeping a place in which [prostitution] is being committed.”

The council heard from Michael Glasses, who said he represented Miss Hu, the current owner. Glasses said Miss Hu purchased the business in late December 2023 and that the earlier 2023 complaint occurred under prior ownership. He told council that Miss Hu fired the employee immediately after being notified and that the criminal matters remain pending in state court. “She genuinely expresses shock,” Glasses said of his client, and he urged the council not to strip her of the right to earn a living absent proof she knew of or encouraged illegal activity.

Several council members raised concerns about potential human‑trafficking indicators and public‑safety risks if the business remained open. Council members and the city attorney explained the council’s administrative options under local code, including suspension or revocation of a business license. Council discussion emphasized the limits of the city’s quasi‑judicial proceeding and uncertainty about how long related state criminal cases might take to resolve.

Councilmember Riggs moved to suspend the license for two weeks and reevaluate at the next meeting; the motion passed 3–2. The transcript records named opposing votes from Councilmember Shaver and Councilmember Johnson; the motion was described in the meeting as a two‑week suspension pending further information and questioning of police staff.

The suspension stops the business from operating during that period; councilmembers said they would reopen the matter at the next meeting and consider additional action depending on what the police and prosecutors develop.

No disposition of the related state criminal charges was recorded at the council meeting. Council did not revoke the license at the Feb. 21 meeting; it suspended operations pending follow up and more information from investigators.

The mayor’s office and the city attorney said the council will revisit the item at its next meeting and that the city’s administrative hearing was separate from, and not determinative of, ongoing state court proceedings.