Crime & Safety

Alleged Salem Sex Trafficker's Client List Still Sealed

The alleged madame's attorney is working to suppress video evidence that depicts prominent figures engaging in sexual acts at the woman's day spa.

Prosecutors say it's too early to state whether charges are forthcoming for the alleged customers of Salem resident Lori Barron's Lawrence, Mass., day spa, which was shut down in June after police found evidence of prostitution and sex trafficking.

The Eagle-Tribune has reported that prosecutors in the case have said the matter still "remains under investigation" and that it would be "premature" to discuss potential charges against — or to disclose the names of — the alleged firefighters, politicians, police officer, teachers, lawyers and court employees who were among the alleged prostitution clients at The Day Spa for Gentlemen. 

Barron, 50, was indicted last year on three counts of human trafficking in addition to charges for maintaining a house of prostitution, deriving support from prostitution, witness intimidation, and videotaping unsuspecting nude persons. She was arrested after an employee reported to police that Barron assaulted the employee because the employee refused to allow a client to spank her.

Barron, who is free on $30,000 bail, opened The Day Spa for Gentlemen less than two years after she was arrested on similar prostitution charges in Salem in connection to alleged illicit activity at ETEA Weight Loss Spa at 282 Main Street.

The prostitution charges were dropped in that 2011 case, though, and Barron pleaded guilty to one misdemeanor count of "obscenity" for "knowingly directing an obscene act or performance" and one misdemeanor count of simple assault for having "unprivileged physical contact" with a victim.

Barron had to surrender her New Hampshire massage therapist's license and was barred from opening or managing a massage therapist's business in Salem for 10 years. She was also given a suspended 12-month prison sentence.

The Eagle-Tribune has reported that Barron — who appeared in Salem (Mass.) Superior Court this week — faces up to 20 years in state prison on each of the trafficking charges. The paper also reported that her attorney is working to suppress video and other evidence in the case, and that a Feb. 20 hearing will be held for the discovery portion of the trial.

[Read the full Eagle-Tribune story here.]

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