SPOKANE, Wash. (AP) — Two Spokane-area massage parlors employing only Chinese workers are under investigation on suspicion of promoting prostitution, human trafficking, practicing without a license, and money laundering.
Investigators with the Department of Homeland Security and the Washington State Patrol contend that women who work at the two parlors speak little-to-no English and are required to petition customers for sexual activity.
The information was contained in a search warrant filed on July 16 in Spokane County Superior Court.
The Spokesman-Review reports that Kelan D. Johnson, who owns the parlors, denied the allegations. He has not been arrested or charged with a crime.
Law enforcement officers conducted an undercover operation at one of the parlors earlier this month.
Court documents allege law officers have received multiple complaints about prostitution at the parlors.