Massage parlor owner suing Russellville over human trafficking raids

Yahoo

13-02-2025

RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. – The owner of three massage parlors in Russellville is suing the city for court records after all of his businesses were shut down as part of a statewide operation to combat human trafficking.
John Wesley Hall, the attorney for businessman Terry McCurter, states his client has not received documents from the city requested under the Freedom of Information Act. Hall states McCurter was not arrested, and even if he is going to be, he is still entitled to the papers showing why his Russellville businesses were searched and why they were shut down.
'They raided the place. They've taken property,' Hall told KARK 4 News. 'What things could possibly be interfered with now? The burden is on them to show a reason to keep it under seal, and they haven't shown anything yet. They just said, 'Oh, we want it under seal.' Okay, sign off. It's under seal. Well, tell us why. You have the burden of showing us why.'
Russellville police search multiple massage businesses, mayor says
The three Russellville locations on 1228 & 2008 West Main Street and 418 South Knoxville were among 12 initially searched during Operation Obscured Vision. Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin is leading the statewide effort.
Four arrests were made between Harrison, Rogers and Jonesboro. As of this report, no arrests have been made in Russellville, although ¥1,870 in Chinese currency was seized in Russellville along with a Mercedes-Benz in Rogers, and $70,000 across all locations.
The Russellville city attorney is trying to dismiss the lawsuit against them stating the affidavit, warrants, and other documents were sealed by Circuit Judge James Dunham at the request of a police detective.
Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin announces state-wide human trafficking investigation and raid
Russellville Detective Ronald Wescott wrote in a court document, 'I am attempting to locate additional evidence, victims and suspects. The release of any materials involved in this case would be detrimental to the investigation'.
KARK 4 News also tried to request the documents from the Russellville city attorney but was told they are excluded from the Freedom of Information Act because they are sealed and protected by the circuit court.
Local reacts after trafficking raids lead to arrests in six Arkansas cities
According to the Arkansas Attorney General's office, Operation Obscured Vision continues to make arrests, including one made on Feb. 11 in connection with massage parlors in Rogers.
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