Woman charged in connection with massage studio that offered ‘illicit’ services, documents say

WEST JORDAN, Utah (ABC4) — A woman living in South Jordan has been charged with money laundering and exploiting prostitution for allegedly running a massage studio that offered sexual services. Police believe she is connected to several of these businesses along the Wasatch Front.

Min Howell, 45, has been charged with money laundering, a second-degree felony; pattern of unlawful activity, a second-degree felony; and exploitation of prostitution, a third-degree felony. The State also filed a notice of intent to seek criminal forfeiture, meaning that if she is found guilty, they can seize the money she allegedly made from the business.

According to court documents, detectives with the West Jordan Police Department (WJPD) were contacted by a concerned citizen who had texted a local massage studio and received sexual images in response. WJPD had received other tips in the past, involving offers of a “happy ending” massage and a masseuse inappropriately touching a client.

During December 2024, a detective conducted surveillance on the hotel and observed Howell at the massage studio and another location in West Valley City that was also under investigation for potential prostitution. The detective placed a GPS device on Howell’s vehicle and, over the next few months, observed her vehicle visiting several “known illicit” massage studios between Ogden and West Jordan.

Through the investigation, the WJPD detective obtained bank statements from Howell’s accounts and allegedly discovered that she was receiving over $30,000 into one of her accounts each month. Deposits into the account were always above $1,000, according to documents. A search warrant conducted at Howell’s residence revealed that she had $128,000 in cash on hand.

Two employees at the massage studio in West Jordan were interviewed by police. One stated that she slept at the studio, in the same room where she performed massages, and she paid a small fee to live there. The other employee stated that she also slept at the massage studio.

Howell is not currently in custody, but a warrant has been issued for her arrest.