LITTLE ROCK, AR — A Little Rock firefighter finds himself on the other side of the law after being arrested in an undercover sting. An undercover officer paid for a one hour massage at a local business, during that massage she says Edwin Harris engaged in sexual contact. But it didn’t end there.
Lt. Sidney Allen, with the Little Rock Police Department, said, “The officer went outside and the discussion of a sex act was made with the negotiated price.”
The conversation happened outside the business where Harris worked. The place is called Asian Massage. It’s on North Bowman Road.
Officers say when Harris offered the detective $40 for sex, police arrested him for prostitution.
Lt. Allen said, “It’s upsetting when anyone gets arrested for those types of charges, but when it’s someone held in high regard by the community, it hurts more.”
Harris was the only one arrested this time, but the investigation continues.
All this is coming as a shock to the new business owner who bought Asian Massage just two days ago. A woman who only identified herself as the manger said they knew nothing about the arrest before buying the business.
The manager gave us a tour of the building, first pointing out signs on all the massage room walls reminding customers sexual activity is prohibited.
The manager said, “If he does it, it does not mean that everyone does it. If you say everyone does it, it’s not fair.”
The current owner also plans to change the business name to New Balance hoping it brings a new beginning. It’s expected to open under the new ownership on Monday.
Harris is still working at the Little Rock Fire Department. There is an internal investigation. But even if he’s found guilty of the crime, Harris could keep his job because firefighters can have misdemeanors on their record, just not felonies.
Police say tips and detective work led them to the business in question. However, they say Harris was not targeted, he just happened to be the person who gave the undercover office a massage.
If you would like to follow Melissa Schroeder’s reports on Facebook, you can click here and like her page.
Lt. Sidney Allen, with the Little Rock Police Department, said, “The officer went outside and the discussion of a sex act was made with the negotiated price.”
The conversation happened outside the business where Harris worked. The place is called Asian Massage. It’s on North Bowman Road.
Officers say when Harris offered the detective $40 for sex, police arrested him for prostitution.
Lt. Allen said, “It’s upsetting when anyone gets arrested for those types of charges, but when it’s someone held in high regard by the community, it hurts more.”
Harris was the only one arrested this time, but the investigation continues.
All this is coming as a shock to the new business owner who bought Asian Massage just two days ago. A woman who only identified herself as the manger said they knew nothing about the arrest before buying the business.
The manager gave us a tour of the building, first pointing out signs on all the massage room walls reminding customers sexual activity is prohibited.
The manager said, “If he does it, it does not mean that everyone does it. If you say everyone does it, it’s not fair.”
The current owner also plans to change the business name to New Balance hoping it brings a new beginning. It’s expected to open under the new ownership on Monday.
Harris is still working at the Little Rock Fire Department. There is an internal investigation. But even if he’s found guilty of the crime, Harris could keep his job because firefighters can have misdemeanors on their record, just not felonies.
Police say tips and detective work led them to the business in question. However, they say Harris was not targeted, he just happened to be the person who gave the undercover office a massage.
If you would like to follow Melissa Schroeder’s reports on Facebook, you can click here and like her page.
