BOISE – Boise Police say four women who work at local massage parlors were arrested Wednesday and charged with prostitution.
Police began their investigation after receiving several citizen complaints about possible criminal activity at four Boise massage parlors.
Charges against the suspects include prostitution, giving a massage without a city license, and violating city sanitary requirements by living or allowing employees to live and sleep inside the massage parlor.
"For citizens who complain about this type of criminal activity, it comes down to the quality of life they perceive, either where they live or where they work," said Sgt. Mike Harrington of the Boise Police vice-narcotics unit. “We know this type of activity may be occurring, so we appreciate citizens who can point to areas where it's becoming an issue.”
Boise Police began getting citizen complaints several weeks ago about prostitution occurring inside the massage parlors.
Detectives launched an undercover investigation on four massage parlors on Jan. 20.
The detectives reported when they entered the massage parlors and paid for a massage, they were also offered sex for money.
All the charges are misdemeanors and carry a penalty of a $300 fine and/or 6 months in jail.
Prostitution is a state offense and a general misdemeanor that carries a penalty of a $1,000 fine and/or 6 months in jail.
Sun Shim-Chang, 59, of Boise, was arrested at 1129 Broadway Avenue-- Hong Kong Spa. She is charged with prostitution, massage license required, unlicensed massagist and a sanitary requirements violation.
Kyong Cha Roberts, 57, of Boise, was arrested at 174 N. Orchard Street -- Apple Spa. She is charged with prostitution and massage license required.
Kyo Chin Oh, 50, of Boise, was arrested at 6004 W. Overland Road -- J Spa. She is charged with prostitution and a sanitary requirements violation.
Fenghua Sanford, 48, of Garden City, was arrested at 6316 W. Overland Road -- Aloha Spa. She is charged with prostitution and massage license required.
Fuzi Wu, 41, Elk Grove, Ill., was arrested at 1129 Broadway Avenue -- Hong Kong Spa. She was cited for not have a massage license.
