Woman pleads not guilty to charges of running prostitution ring in Lawrence

LAWRENCE — The online ad sought receptionists, but several women who were hired at the massage studio say they answered phones and took appointments for only a couple of weeks before the owner lured them into prostitution, according to authorities.

“The defendant told the victim ‘you have to do it,'” said prosecutor Kelleen Forlizzi, referring to one of four alleged victims allegedly forced by owner Lori Barron to perform sex acts on male clients at the Day Spa for Gentlemen at 7 Broadway.

Barron pleaded not guilty today in Lawrence District Court to seven offenses, including deriving support from prostitution, extortion, human trafficking, unlawfully recording persons in the nude, and witness intimidation.