Sal’s Brick Oven Pizza Owner Charged With Soliciting Prostitute, Says He Was Just Getting a Massage

This is one you’re going to have to make your own mind up on.

Now, most even slightly Internet aware people can spot a scam or shady deal when they see it. Most of these are on Craigslist, but some still can be found on other sites that cater to … well… getting some sexy on.

However, if you’re not as well versed in these types of shenanigans, can your own naivety get you caught?

Or does it just set the stage for a good excuse?

One of the men charged in a prostitution sting Friday in Hanover Township, Northampton County, said today he did nothing wrong and was merely looking for a massage.

Sal Basile, 43, of the 4700 block of Kathi Drive in the township, told The Express-Times he is concerned about the effect his arrest and media reports on his arrest could have on his business, Sal’s Brick Oven Pizza in Bethlehem, and on his family.

He is one of eight people charged by Colonial Regional police following the sting at Best Western, 300 Gateway Drive.

“I really don’t think I did anything wrong,” Basile said this afternoon. “They didn’t catch me with my pants down. I wasn’t getting sexual favors.”

Basile said he recently had gastric-bypass surgery and, as a result, had been vomiting violently. He said he hurt his shoulder during one of the daily episodes of vomiting and that was why he sought out a massage.

He also said investigators pressed him on why he used Backpage.com to find a masseuse and said he had done so based on a recommendation.

“Somebody told me to look on Backpage for a freaking massage, and that’s why that happened,” he said.

Basile said he’s confident his loyal customers will continue to frequent his pizzeria but is still concerned he could lose customers.

He claims the police operation amounted to entrapment. Police said four of the men charged in the operation had answered an ad placed on the Internet for prostitution services and offered an undercover sheriff’s deputy money for sexual acts as part of the sting operation.

Basile acknowledged being asked to pay by the purported masseuse and doing so but said, “I was in the wrong place at the wrong time.” SOURCE: The Express-Times

Sal’s Brick Oven Pizza is awesome, if you’ve never eaten there. Their garlic knots are Super Mario Bros. delicious.

And, to be honest, even if he was guilty, that wouldn’t stop me from going there. 

Meh. I dunno. I can see his point and I can also see the police department’s point on this one, so, make your own decision and I guess we’ll see how it plays out.

But, cmon, if you’re an adult over 40 and a business owner, you probably know a shady massage parlor when you see one… no?

Bottom line: If you’re in need of a massage, we recommend Kneading Hands Massage in Bethlehem. Their only happy endings are better feeling muscles.