Arrest made in Statewide Case

The State Highway Patrol along with the State Cosmetology Board took part in a raid Thursday morning at a local nail salon.

Brittney Luu removed from Z Nails in handcuffs. Her crime, practicing cosmetology without a license. Her arrest is part of a year long investigation that began with a fake driver’s license.

"I think a lot of people haven’t even thought of something like this happening at their local cosmetology place," said Kevin Miller director of the state board of cosmetology.

Besides, Brittney, Troopers also have a warrant for her brother, Sebastian, who also worked at the salon without a license. Authorities are working to have Sebastian turn himself in.

"They are in communication with him so I don’t want to talk too much about that," said Miller. "They obviously have information that is critical to this investigation."

These instances of false licenses at Z Nails could possibly be linked to several other cases throughout the state. All originating from New Beginnings Cosmetology School.

"New Beginnings Cosmetology School is no longer operating. The owners of the school have been cooperating  with law enforcement," said Miller. "They provided information where potentially, we’re talking about hundreds of individuals who’ve received their educational records and never stepped foot in the door."

Statewide cases include Cleveland and Miller said Columbus and Dayton could potentially see raids in the future.

"What happens is you are taking business away from legitimate individuals who are in this community and others throughout the state.  Many of them aren’t potentially paying taxes. These individuals are a drain on the system because they are providing a service that people are trying to do legally."

Not to mention that, Miller said some of the people being arrested are in the country illegally. Homeland Security’s Immigration Division has been involved in several cases.

"A lot of these individuals don’t look at like they are being oppressed. They look at it as this is just business to come to the United States, so you aren’t seeing individuals coming to police saying, I’m forced to live in the back of the salon or something like that. They look at it as hey I’m here, instead of begin over there," explained Miller.

The owner of Z Nails, Brittney and Sebastian’s father is cooperating with authorities as well. Any charges against the salon depends on information provided by his children.

Brittney Luu is being held in the Muskingum County Jail. She faces felony charges that could carry a sentence 3-5 years in prison.