Several months ago, a citizen issued a complaint with the Bothell Police Department about possible prostitution taking place at a massage and spa business located in the 22900 block of State Route 527 in Bothell, according to Capt. Denise Langford, public information officer.

On Aug. 22, after a lengthy joint criminal investigation with the Bothell Police Department and King County Sheriff's Office involving surveillance and undercover operations, members from both organizations served two search warrants at the Ginger Massage and Spa and a nearby associated apartment located in the 1600 block of 228th Street Southeast.

At around noon, Langford said detectives first served a warrant at the business and then at the apartment and arrested three adult females and one adult male for investigation of prostitution-related offenses.

"There was no resistance, no injuries and no force. Everything went smoothly," Langford said.

Langford noted that one female and one male who run the business were booked into Snohomish County Jail for the felony offenses of permitting and promoting prostitution. Snohomish County Superior Court is handling those cases.

The other two female employees received citations for prostitution, which are gross misdemeanor offenses. They were released and will soon appear at Bothell Municipal Court for their hearings.

"The detectives are conducting the investigation and are trying to glean as much information as they can," said Langford, who added that the Bothell Police Department called upon the King County Sheriff's Office to help because its detectives are experienced in prostitution-related investigations.

Langford didn't know specifics about the citizen's complaint: "Maybe they heard a rumor or saw something," she said, adding that these are the first prostitution-related arrests in Bothell that she can recall.

A Bothell Police officer was on duty in front of the business on Aug. 22 in the evening and informed at least one female customer that the business was closed. The business' phone number was disconnected at the Reporter's deadline.

The business park where the massage and spa (it's identified by its former name, the Asian Wellness Center, on the front window) is located also houses several family restaurants, an insurance agency and a convenience store.

Two employees of neighboring businesses noted that they didn't notice anything unusual taking place at the massage and spa establishment.

Contact Bothell Reporter Reporter Andy Nystrom at editor@bothell-reporter.com or 1-425-483-3732 (ext 5050).

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