Vista, California, United States
"VISTA -- Authorities shut down nine businesses and arrested 22 women during an undercover prostitution sting Wednesday afternoon in Vista, officials said. The operation targeted Asian day spas and acupuncturists suspected of plying the illegal trade. Some of the businesses appeared to have living and eating quarters for the women, according to authorities. The bust followed prostitution complaints by the public and several months of investigation by the Sheriff's Department and Vista officials. View the slideshow of Sheriff's Department photos "The city is determined to stop this," said Vista City Attorney Darold Pieper, adding that a spike in massage therapist permit applications helped spur the investigation. "We don't want this here," added Vista sheriff's Capt. Tim Curran, calling investigator's efforts "aggressive." Many of the 22 women arrested are Chinese citizens and some are in the country illegally, the captain said. The women face misdemeanor charges for prostitution, illegal touching and various city health and safety violations stemming from the presence of living and eating quarters inside the businesses. The following businesses were shut down: Touch of Asian Day Spa, Seren Acu-Care, Melrose Spa, Vista Town Spa, Bright Acupuncture, JW Acupuncture, Li Jun Acupuncture I, Li Jun Acupuncture II and Vista Health Center, sheriff's officials said. In photos of the sting released by authorities, several women are shown with their hands restrained and heads down. One photo shows clothing strewn on a bed, a large plastic tub filled with blankets and what appears to be a family photograph framed and sitting at the front of the bed. Authorities had not determined Wednesday whether some of the women owned or operated the establishments. Owners and operators could face charges of felony conspiracy to promote prostitution, officials said. County prosecutors will determine whether to pursue additional charges. Call staff writer Chris Nichols at 760-740-5426." Article from the North County Times
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