Crime & Safety
Mom, Daughter Prostitution, Massage Operation Shut Down: Cops
Sarasota Police say a woman offered illegal massage services out of her home while her daughter worked as a prostitute.
SARASOTA, FL — A call into Crime Stoppers about possible illegal activities occurring at a home on Sarasota’s Bay Street kicked off a month-long investigation that ultimately led to the arrest of a mother and her adult daughter.
Anne Dodge, 55, is accused of offering illegal massage services out of her home in the 2900 block of Bay Street. Her daughter, Jennifer Dodge, 30, allegedly provided prostitution services.
Get the Sarasota Patch newsletter and alerts in your inbox. Or, if you have an iPhone, download the free Patch app.
Find out what's happening in Sarasotafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
According to the Sarasota Police Department, the tip sparked an investigation in June that led to the women’s arrests this week. Undercover police detectives worked with the Department of Health and Selah Freedom to investigate the alleged activities, an email from the agency said.
“During undercover operations, Jennifer Dodge offered to perform sexual favors in exchange for U.S. currency to an undercover officer,” the email said. “Anne Dodge performed a massage in exchange for U.S. currency to a police officer who was working in an undercover capacity.”
Find out what's happening in Sarasotafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Like Sarasota Patch on Facebook and keep reading below:
Police say the Florida Department of Health was contacted to determine if Anne Dodge had a license to perform massages. A records check confirmed she does not hold required state licensing, the agency said.
Police say both Anne and Jennifer advertised services via the BackPage.com website. An ad for Anne, the email noted, said, “I am a beautiful, talented, licensed massage therapist whom God uses to bring his healing energy to you and bring you to a whole new level of ecstasy.”
A warrant search was conducted at the Bay Street home on Aug. 16. Anne Dodge was arrested that day on two counts of unlicensed practice of a health care professional and two counts of massage establishments; requisites; licensure; inspection.
Police say Jennifer Dodge was arrested on a felony prostitution charge on Aug. 17. Authorities said Jennifer has three prior prostitution convictions.
Both women were booked into the Sarasota County Jail after their arrests.
No further information is being released at this time.
A video of the warrant search released by the police department may be viewed below:
Booking photos courtesy of the Sarasota Police Department
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
