Revere Spa Front For Sex Trafficking Ring: AG

REVERE, MA — A Revere woman accused of running a sex trafficking operation out of her spa was arrested Friday, Attorney General Maura Healey said. Geralda De Matos Garland, 57, is the owner of Crystal's Day Spa in Revere, which authorities say is a front for human trafficking.

Garland was arraigned Monday on charges of trafficking of persons for sexual servitude, deriving support from prostitution, money laundering and conspiracy.

A joint investigation by the Massachusetts State Police, Revere Police Department, Division of Professional Licensure and the Suffolk County District Attorney found that Garland facilitated commercial sexual activity by recruiting women and offering their services for a fee, Healey said.

Garland also posted online advertisements offering commercial sex, arranged appointments with buyers, collected money from buyers and profited from the activity, Healey said. Crystal's Day Spa was established as a front for Garland's "profitable and organized criminal enterprise," authorities said.

Garland pleaded not guilty to all charges Monday. Her bail was set at $50,000, with the conditions of release that she be monitored by GPS, surrender her passport, stay away from and have no contact with victims and be prohibited from leaving the state.

She will next appear in court for a probable cause hearing May 11.