Brookhaven Police arrested two people at a massage parlor in the 2400 block of Briarcliff Road after investigators determined a therapist was practicing without a valid license, the department said in a news release.

Chunlei Wang, 65, was arrested Friday, July 10, on a charge of unlawful practice of massage therapy without a current or provisional license. Four days later, on July 14, parlor owner Yun Pan, 47, was arrested on a charge of unlawful employment of an unlicensed massage therapist.

The investigation began Sunday, June 21, when officers responded to the parlor after receiving a complaint, Brookhaven Police said. Investigators determined Wang was practicing without a current license at the business. Police did not identify the parlor by name.

The department declined to release additional details, saying in its news release that it was withholding information "to protect its integrity and the privacy of those involved."

What the charges mean

Under Georgia law, practicing massage therapy without a license is a misdemeanor. A first criminal conviction carries fines between $500 and $5,000, according to Georgia House Bill 242, which took effect July 1, 2019. Employing an unlicensed therapist is a separate violation under state code.

The Georgia Board of Massage Therapy can also pursue administrative penalties independent of any criminal case, including cease-and-desist orders and fines.

The charge against Wang covers therapists whose license has lapsed as well as those who never held one. Police did not specify which scenario applies.

What's next

No court date or arraignment has been announced for either Wang or Pan. The charges remain pending.

Residents who wish to report concerns about unlicensed businesses can contact the Brookhaven Police Department's non-emergency line at 404-637-0600.