This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2008, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Two people are accused of running a prostitution ring that allegedly employed girls as young as 15 to perform "exotic massages."
Police said Julia Jane Young, 18, and Dewayne Hopkins, 26, advertised the exotic massage service on Craigslist.org. Clients would meet the employees at hotels throughout the Salt Lake Valley, said Sandy police spokesman Victor Quezada. The massages would end when the workers disrobed and performed sex acts, Quezada said.
The massage staff included one 15-year-old, two 17-year-olds and a 24-year-old. They cooperated in the investigation of Young and Hopkins, who each are charged with three counts of aggravated exploitation of a prostitute, a second-degree felony; one count of exploiting a prostitute, a third-degree felony; and one misdemeanor drug charge. "We consider the girls victims in this case," Quezada said.
The investigation began earlier this year after an anonymous tipster told police underage girls were involved with the ring. None of the clients have been arrested, Quezada said.
Young and Hopkins are in Salt Lake County jail. -Erin Alberty