Man arrested in connection with 2022 investigation involving massage parlors in St. Joseph County - WNDU

[WNDU.com Staff]

ST. JOSEPH, Ind. (WNDU) - The St. Joseph County Prosecutor’s Office formally charged 82-year-old James Belkiewitz for felony failure to remit taxes held in the Trust Merchant Bank and failure to send in sales tax.

These charges stem from a 2022 investigation involving local massage parlors believed to be involved in human trafficking of sexual exploitation, sexual solicitation and tax fraud.

Belkiewitz was charged Friday, and a warrant was issued for his arrest.

The St. Joseph Warrants Unit picked him up Monday morning.

The massage parlors believed to be connected to Belkiewitz were in the 50800 block of State Road 933 N. in South Bend, the 12600 block of State Road 23 in Granger, and 2600 block S. Michigan Street in South Bend.

Sherriff Bill Redman with the St. Joseph County Police department thanked the community for sending anonymous tips.

“Thanks to anonymous tips we received from our community, this investigation was able to get underway. This is a powerful reminder of the impact we can all have when we speak up. A special thank you to those who showed the courage to come forward,” Sheriff Redman.

If you have information about criminal activity in your area, you can call 574-235-9756 or submitting a tip online: sjcpd.org/submit-a-tip.

You can also remain anonymous and earn a cash reward by contacting Michiana Crime Stoppers at 574-288-STOP or 800-342-STOP.

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