4 accused of using spa/fitness center as commercial sex front

Erie, Pa — (WJET/WFXP)– State and local law enforcement announced Thursday they’ve charged four people for allegedly using their fitness spa as a front to provide commercial sex along with more than 50 buyers.

Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday and Erie County District Attorney announced they’ve charged the owner of Totally You Fitness and Spa on Peach Street, Tina Silveus, her two children, and her son-in-law, who were managers, following a three-year investigation.

Tina Silveus, Keyvon Silveus, Corrine Wilcott and Roscoe Carroll Sr. were charged with corrupt organizations, dealing in proceeds of unlawful activities, promoting prostitution, and conspiracy to commit these crimes. They’ve also charged 52 people who regularly paid for sexual services at the spa.

Prosecutors allege that since at least 2016, the business employed 20-30 people to be commercial sex workers, telling them they’d be massage therapists, most of whom were targeted because they were homeless or suffering from addiction.

“These arrests are part of our continued effort to confront and dismantle the cycle of exploitation created by commercial sex trafficking,” Erie County District Attorney Elizabeth Hirz said. “The individuals charged with these crimes represent the demand side of this criminal enterprise. We are committed to investigating and prosecuting those responsible for the exploitation of vulnerable individuals through prostitution and trafficking.”

Prosecutors also said all of the employees were given stage names, told not to report their full income in tips from customers and be aware that police might investigate what was going on.

When investigators searched the business, they allegedly found evidence of commercial sex, including condoms and other items, and a logbook of customers.

“This proposed fitness center was actually a highly-organized commercial sex-selling operation with employees who were targeted due to their vulnerabilities and trained not to disclose the full nature of the business and their income,” Attorney General Sunday said. “The business owner and her associates recruited employees who were homeless or dealing with addictions. This despicable behavior has no place in the Commonwealth, and I commend the grand jurors, our Human Trafficking Section, and our law enforcement partners for shutting down this criminal enterprise.”

All four cases will be prosecuted by Erie County DA Hirz’s office.