WARREN, Ohio - Several customers or "Johns" of eight Warren massage parlors shielded their faces from news cameras as they appeared in Trumbull County Common Pleas Court.

Fifteen clients were subpoenaed to testify about what they experienced inside the eight massage parlors.

All eight spas were shut down on May 30th after a yearlong undercover investigation and a city-wide sweep by 60 Ohio BCI Agents, the Warren Police Department and Warren Health Department.

Warren Law Director Gregory Hicks tells 21 News, "We now have concrete evidence to show other activities; illegal activities were occurring other than the recreational massage."

The hearing that also required spa owners and operators to appear was expected to determine if the massage parlors should remain closed. But Judge Wyatt McKay continued the hearing until next Monday when one of the attorneys raised concerns that those subpoenaed to testify did not have sufficient notice. The law provides that parties need to be notified a minimum of five days prior to a preliminary hearing. In this case, some did not receive their subpoenas until last Thursday or Friday.

The law director says the hearing will be held on Monday, June 25th at 9:00 a.m. and in spite of the delay, the city of Warren hopes to have the businesses declared a permanent nuisance and shut all eight spas down for an entire year.

Prosecutors say the investigation has shown prostitution is taking place as well as suspected human trafficking and money laundering.

Authorities say that gives property owners a basis under the law to terminate the spa's leases, and for the city it's another way to shut them down.

"There seems to be some indication by some property owners that they are going to agree to have these businesses removed, and not rent to similar or alike type businesses," Hicks says.

As for the customers suspected of frequenting the establishments, they could receive immunity from criminal prosecution if they testify truthfully in this case.

Judge Wyatt McKay says a temporary restraining order will remain in place, and that keeps the massage parlors closed until the hearing can be held.