City Of Flagstaff Responds To A Report Of Possible Improper Investigation Tactics Regarding Flagstaff Massage Parlors

An undercover investigation involving massage parlors in Flagstaff has brought on questions regarding the tactics used in the investigation. Flagstaff Police and Homeland Security Investigations launched the investigation into local massage parlors in 2019, in an attempt to stop suspected human and sex trafficking and prostitution. In a video deposition obtained by “ABC-15,” officer Dustin Eberhardt was one of the officers undercover involved in the operation and said in one instance, he was “confused and didn’t know where to stop,” after the masseuse began touching his genitals. The City of Flagstaff issued a press release Wednesday saying, “in each case, the undercover officer requested and paid for only a massage.” They add, “sexual contact was initiated by the person providing the massage and the contact was terminated by the undercover officer once it was determined to be overtly sexual in nature.” Police went on to say, “the undercover officer did not participate in any sexual acts.” KAFF News reached out to the Coconino County Attorney’s Office, which was also part of the investigation. They told us, “for reasons of a prosecutorial nature, we are unable to obtain a comment.” The city also says, “the officers carried out their duties lawfully in consultation with FPD’s partner agencies, resulting in the court issuing 15 warrants and eight search warrants.” They add, “there have been claims made that the officers’ actions were illegal, however this is not correct.” There are still cases being prosecuted in the courts.