On November 7, 2024, the Polk County Sheriff's Office arrested 21 massage therapists after allegedly offering inappropriate services to undercover officers. This development came during a two-day investigation known as "Operation Skin So Soft" that began on November 4. According to media reports, the Polk County Sheriff's Office undercover detectives went to several massage parlors in Davenport, Dundee, Lakeland, and Winter Haven areas of Polk County to purchase legal massages from licensed professionals. During the sessions, 20 massage therapists offered to commit sexual acts for money. Sheriff Grady Judd announced in a press conference that all the women arrested were Asian, aged 31-64. Three are US citizens, and the rest are here on work visas from the Republic of China. Two of the women, Rose Wang Walker and Baohua Zhang, told detectives they owned their establishments.
Of the 22 establishments scrutinized, Sheriff Grady Judd pointed out that 12 violated legal statutes that were not in compliance with the law. These operations were also involved in illegal activities such as prostitution. In light of the arrests of the 20 therapists, another individual encountered legal issues for meddling during an arrest procedure.
During a Thursday morning press conference, Judd elaborated on an incident involving a 37-year-old woman who charged $60 for what was supposed to be a standard massage but then engaged in behavior suggesting sexual intent. "I doubt the federal government intended this type of employment when issuing work visas, yet they are present," remarked Judd. Judd mentioned future cooperation with federal authorities to potentially revoke these visas.
"We desire their return to their native countries if they aren't U.S. citizens. If you come here legally & breach our laws, you undermine trust at a federal level & should be sent back," Judd emphasized.
Another incident involved a 64-year-old requesting $80 for an hour-long session but altering the environment-using oils and dim lighting-to partake in prohibited actions. The officer consistently articulated his preference for just a regular massage. one arrestee, in particular, was accused of being "extremely aggressive" when trying to initiate non-massage services. In fact, at least according to Judd, this particular individual "tried to have full sex" with an undercover detective"
Judd warned customers visiting these places to exercise caution, as surveillance might occur. He also indicated possible regulatory actions owing to businesses' non-compliance in record maintenance.
Arrests were performed at these Polk County Massage establishments:
- Xi Xi Spa: Qiuhua Zhang (50) & Jinxia Huang (36) - charges include offering prostitution & unlicensed practice; various offenses.
- New Coast Spa: Rose Wang Walker (61) & Hongxin Yang (54) - engaged in solicitation activities.
- Queen Day Spa: Qui Qiaojun (31) and Li An (51) faced similar allegations of offering unauthorized services.
- Health Asian Massage: Shuangyan Hu (41) & Xuekun Lin (49) - charged with attempting to commercialize illicit conduct.
- Shangrila Massage Spa: Ying Lin (48) offered prohibited services; Xiu Lin (55) resisted arrest.
- New Oriental Massage: Baohua Zhang (51) faced solicitation charges.
- Top Oasis Massage & Spa: Yanfei Ye (53) & Ruifen Ren (64); solicited unlawful acts.
- I-Spa Massage: Shixin Zhang (56); faced identical accusations.
- Ocean Massage Star: Hong Xia Sok (50); charged with both solicitation and resisting arrest; Yihua Yu (42) engaged in indecent behavior.
- Lucky Asian Massage: Zhuling Liu (32) & Fenghua Jiang (58); attempted illegal solicitation.
- Eastern Massage: Yan Luo (64) & Jinfeng Mu (59); pursued unlawful offers.
- Sun Spa: Yuling Zhang Collins (57); incriminated for attempted solicitation.
According to a report by the Polaris Project, there are more than 9,000 of these illicit massage parlors in the country. Many of the workers are victims of human trafficking. Sheriff Judd stated, "We audit these massage parlors to make sure they comply with the law but that is a secondary concern."
Horowitz Law has filed numerous sexual assault lawsuits against massage therapists on behalf of clients who were sexually assaulted during massages at day spas and resorts. If you have been a victim of sexual assault or sexual battery during a massage, or if you know someone who has, please contact our law firm at 888-283-9922 or send an e-mail to sexual abuse lawyer Adam Horowitz at [email protected] for a free consultation.