A St. Louis man is accused of setting fires at two Cahokia Heights massage parlors early Oct. 19, killing a person inside one of the buildings, according to a federal criminal complaint.

Quentin Hanks is charged with one count of arson after he admitted being angry following a sexual encounter at One Spa, according to the complaint, which was filed Wednesday in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois.

An affidavit from an agent with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives says Hanks admitted setting fires to couches at One Spa, at 220 S. 88th St., and Fuji Super Spa, at 240 S. 88th St. He told investigators he used a lighter, which agents later found in his vehicle, according to the affidavit.

“Today, we filed a criminal complaint, based on the preliminary investigation, bringing incredibly serious charges for an incredibly serious crime. We will carefully examine all the facts and conduct a full grand jury investigation before seeking an indictment,” U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft said in a statement.

The fires were reported about 3 a.m. Fuji Super Spa was fully engulfed in flames by the time firefighters arrived. The fire caused the roof to collapse and walls to fall, according to the complaint. Seven people escaped, but the owner of the businesses told firefighters at the scene that another woman was unaccounted for.

Her body was recovered from the fire debris Oct. 20, more than 24 hours after the search for the remains began. Authorities have not identified the person in the complaint. An autopsy was to be performed Wednesday, according to St. Clair County Coroner Calvin Dye Sr.

Investigators say Hanks told them he became angry after a sexual encounter at One Spa and set fire to a couch in the waiting room.

“Hanks stated he set the fires because he paid for sexual services at One Spa, but he was unable to ejaculate,” the affidavit says. “Hanks stated he was under the influence of marijuana, and he was angry with the sexual encounter. Hanks stated he then decided to ignite the couch on fire at One Spa.”

Hanks did not warn anyone at either business, and said he believed people might still be inside, according to the complaint. It said Hanks then drove to Fuji Super Spa, entered through an unlocked customer service door and set the couch in the waiting room on fire.

“Hanks further stated that he then decided to drive to Fuji Spa because the masseuse that failed to provide him with his sexual gratification also worked at Fuji Spa,” the complaint stated.

An employee identified Hanks from a state-issued photograph. The witness knew Hanks from prior visits and said she allowed him to sleep in the back of the spa because he was intoxicated, the affidavit says. Another employee told the agent Hanks is a white male with a missing finger who works as a bartender.

Investigators also connected him to a phone number provided by witnesses and reviewed surveillance video showing a purchase he made at the Flying J travel center in Cahokia Heights about 2:48 a.m., the affidavit says.

Fuji Super Spa and One Spa are two of three massage parlors in the area owned by RGK Properties, according to St. Clair County property records. The company’s address is the same as one listed online for a St. Louis pawnshop.

Reached by phone, Ronald G. Kipilla confirmed he is the owner of the property, but not the business. He refused to comment further.

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