News Releases

Suspect Charged with Solicitation of Prostitution from Massage Therapist; Possibility of Additional Victims

For Immediate Release: Wednesday, August 21, 2019

Detectives from the Special Investigations Division - Vice and Intelligence Unit have charged Seth Hurwitz, age 60, of the 6100 block of Lenox Road in Bethesda, with solicitation of prostitution from a licensed massage therapist at her place of business.  Based on statements Hurwitz made to the victim during this investigation, detectives are concerned that there are additional victims.

On August 16, the victim, a licensed massage and physical therapist, came forward to report the solicitation to police.

Detectives learned that on August 15, at approximately 12:30 p.m., Hurwitz called the massage business and spoke to the victim to make an appointment for a massage at 3:00 pm that day.

During the massage session, Hurwitz made sexual comments and inappropriate sexual motions.  He implied to the victim that her tip would be greater if she performed sexual acts.  The victim also noted that Hurwitz had left a roll of cash laying on the floor in plain view in the massage room.  Twice during the interaction, Hurwitz asked the victim if she would consider coming to his home and providing a massage.  The victim declined.  The victim ended the massage early due to Hurwitz' increasing inappropriate sexual behavior.

Later that day, Hurwitz texted the victim's business phone.  He texted and called her the next day (August 16), asking if she would come to his home.  In a text conversation and a phone call between the victim and Hurwitz, during which Vice and Intelligence Unit detectives were present with the victim, Hurwitz agreed to pay cash in exchange for the victim performing sexual favors.  In a follow-up text conversation, Hurwitz said that he would come to the business on August 21.

Today, August 21, detectives arrested Hurwitz as he arrived at the massage business.  He was transported to the Central Processing Unit and charged with solicitation for prostitution.  He was released on a $5,000 bond.

Due to statements Hurwitz made during conversations with the victim about having similar arrangements with other women, investigators believe that there may be additional victims.  Anyone who believes that she is a victim is asked to call detectives at 240-773-5958.

Note: The Department is not releasing the name of the massage business so that the victim’s identity remains confidential.

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Release ID: 19-320
Media Contact: Rebecca Innocenti 
Categories: uncategorized