A Chicago firefighter is accused of running an “erotic massage” business from his Northwest Side home, officials said.
Brendan A. Kennedy-Gasior, 37, charged with promoting prostitution, a felony, appeared in court Friday and was released on bond after Cook County Judge Kelly Marie McCarthy set bail at $5,000.
According to a Chicago police report, Kennedy-Gasior would pay for advertisements on adult websites, set up appointments and direct customers to his home, which is located within 1,000 feet of a school, where the “prostitution acts” happened.
Kennedy-Gasior received about half, or $50, for each of the 40-50 “erotic massages” that the victim, a 23-year-old woman, performed and would be paid $200 for every $400 sexual act that was carried out, according to the report.
He was identified by the victim, who told authorities Kennedy-Gasior allegedly instructed her to set the price at $150 for a half an hour session and $200 for a one-hour session for each customer, the report said.
She performed as many as 50 acts, and Kennedy-Gasior was present in the apartments when they happened, the report said.
Alison Motta, an attorney representing Kennedy-Gasior, said he was an active firefighter up until the day of his arrest, on Thursday, and has at least three commendations, including one for “excellence,” from the fire department.
Kennedy-Gasior, who is also a fire department paramedic, declined to comment when reached by phone and is due back in court on April 14.
Chicago Fire Department spokesperson Larry Langford confirmed Kennedy-Gasior drives an engine for the department, but had had no further comment immediately.
rsobol@chicagotribune.com
