Angel's Heaven Relaxation Spa, Laying On Of Hands Or Sex Business

Some would call Pastor John LaVoie's business a seedy massage parlor but the Arizona man says the woman at Angel's Heaven Relaxation Spa offer comfort to their patrons by "laying on of hands."

The court in Tucson doesn't agree with Lavoie's views, neither does a jury who found the man guilty of 22 counts of racketeering, money-laundering and other offenses related to prostitution in a civil forfeiture. A final court order has been proposed by the Arizona Attorney General's Office for a judge's signature would see LaVoie lose almost $2 million worth of real estate and cash. If the proposal is accepted by the judge LaVoie will also be barred from engaging in any business that involves massage or any physical touching of male customers by female employees or self employed contractors in a business that he owns. LaVoie's defense is the Bible and freedom of religion.

AZ Star Net reports:

"This offer of comfort by this means is based on several Biblical passages," wrote attorney Brad Roach, who is representing LaVoie while seeking election as Pima County attorney.

Alex Mahon, an Arizona assistant attorney general, is arguing that LaVoie never once during the trial said that his 'angels' were committing acts of prostitution as an act of religious comfort. LaVoie testified that his idea for the 'church' came when he visited a massage therpist while he was dealing with illness and his parent's separation. He says that he announced the spa through his church and it grew from that announcement. The spa according to LaVoie offered comfort to the soul as well as the body, but never sexual gratification. It is true that some religious groups around the world engage in laying on of hands. In the Christian faith it is considered a sarced act of blessing or healing. Catholics use the practice during baptism and when a priest is ordained. But using the practice in connection with sex for sale isn't a typical laying on of hands.

"It is clear that LaVoie has learned nothing from this ordeal, and is seeking, with the court's blessing, the ability to keep open/reopen his massage-related prostitution enterprise," Mahon wrote.