Five Coeur d’Alene massage parlors lose licenses amid sex trafficking allegations - KHQ Right Now

[mnews]

COEUR D’ALENE, Idaho — The City of Coeur d’Alene has revoked the business licenses of five massage parlors following a police investigation that found evidence of illegal sexual activity and possible sex trafficking.

According to a press release from the Coeur d’Alene Police Department, detectives launched an investigation several months ago after receiving reports of unwanted sexual touching at local massage parlors. Detectives said the investigation revealed that some employees at the parlors might be victims of sex trafficking. Police in the press release didn't specify which parlors were accused of sex trafficking.

Due to the nature of the alleged crimes, police said prosecution in these cases is challenging, and local prosecutors declined to file criminal charges. However, police said the volume and seriousness of the reports prompted the city to take administrative action by revoking the businesses' licenses.

On Wednesday, officers and detectives worked with the Municipal Services Department at City Hall to revoke the licenses of five massage businesses: Oriental Massage Spa, Red Sea Massage, Oriental Body Work, Asia Massage and Chinese Massage.

Police said that they are urging anyone with info about sexual activity at these businesses to contact Coeur d’Alene Police Detective Newbill at 208-292-5778.