‘Hidden in Plain Sight’: Illicit massage businesses in Oregon

‘Hidden in Plain Sight’: Illicit massage businesses in Oregon

Spencer Schact and Ward Jolles break down the rise of “illicit massage businesses” in Oregon—storefronts that can appear legitimate but are often tied to commercial sex, trafficking, and organized crime. They explain how these networks recruit and control vulnerable women through debt bondage, why cases are difficult to investigate and prosecute, and what warning signs can help identify suspicious locations. The episode also covers the policy fight over how communities and lawmakers can respond, plus how viewers can report concerns safely without intervening directly.

Butane torches

Butane torches—sold widely in everyday stores—are being linked to a growing number of explosions, structure fires, and severe burn injuries in Oregon, including burns so deep they can lead to amputations. Investigative reporter Spencer Schacht explains doctors at the Legacy Oregon Burn Center are seeing many cases connected to people using torches to smoke drugs; the biggest danger is the torch’s locking mechanism that can keep the flame on, especially if someone passes out from fentanyl while it’s still burning. The episode (hosted by investigative reporter Ward Jolles with guest Spencer Schacht) highlights proposed solutions: harm-reduction education now, and potential legislation next session to redesign/ban “flame-locking” mechanisms.

Rubicon Fire Restoration

FOX12 reporter Ezra Kaplan and photographer/editor Frank Frenzel discuss their recent story in Rowena following a wildfire, where Team Rubicon volunteers helped residents by cutting down dangerous “hazard trees” that need to be cleared before the rebuilding process can begin. Frank and Ezra reflect on the human impact of returning months after the disaster—how complex, expensive, and emotionally heavy rebuilding is—and why Team Rubicon’s free labor provided real, tangible hope for families who otherwise couldn’t move forward.

Longview chemical spill

FOX 12 Investigative Reporter Ezra Kaplan and FOX 12 Reporter Julia Lopez talk about covering a deadly chemical spill in Longview, Washington.

Health benefits of float therapy

A Northeast Portland woman says that her go-to method for managing chronic pain, stress, and anxiety has been participating in Float Therapy. The process? Sitting alone with your thoughts in a sensory deprivation environment, floating in water so dense that you couldn’t sink even if you tried. In this episode of Beyond the Broadcast, reporter Nora Hart takes the plunge, and talks about what she didn’t expect to experience during her time at Float North. Watch the full Beyond the Broadcast episode exclusively on the FOX 12 Streaming App. Download today on your Roku, Amazon Fire TV or Apple TV.