Charges filed in spray tan case

Published 8:47 pm Monday, July 22, 2019

The Isle of Wight County Sheriff’s Office has issued arrest warrants for a 47-year-old woman in a case involving spray tans at area spas.

Investigators have issued warrants for Michelle Putnam, of the 1000 block of Rivers Arch in Carrollton, according to a press release from the sheriff’s office.

The warrants stem from an ongoing investigation into the relationship between Putnam and Gregory Wacks, who is under investigation for involvement in child pornography, the release stated.

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While investigating Wacks, deputies found that a number of women had been videoed and photographed nude while receiving spray tans, the press release stated. One woman was identified earlier in July and stated she was not aware she was being videoed or photographed when she received the spray tan.

After local media carried the story, several more individuals came forward believing they may be potential victims. Investigators identified at least seven females who were victims, one of whom was a minor.

Putnam is charged with two counts of distribution of child pornography and two counts of production of child pornography.

The Isle of Wight County Sheriff’s Office stated the two spas where filming and videos were taken without the knowledge of the clients are ‘Knot So Zen’ on Pilot House Road in Newport News and ‘A Polished Life’ on Thimble Shoals.

“It is important to note that investigators have interviewed the owners of Knot So Zen and we firmly believe that they had no knowledge of the activities taking place within their spa,” the press release stated. “Michelle Putnam was an independent contractor who rented space from them. They have cooperated fully with our investigation.”

The sheriff’s office is asking anyone who received a promotional flier or used a Groupon to receive a spray tan at an address in the 1000 block of Rivers Arch in Carrollton or either of the above two spas to contact investigators at 357-6126.

Anyone with information on the case or Putnam’s whereabouts is asked to call the Crime Line at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP or submit an online tip at the P3 mobile tip app or at P3tips.com.