Massage Parlor Bust Aftermath

The prostitution sting that went down at Point Happy Massage Therapy is no surprise to Rosa Elena Aviles. She owns READay Spa and Salon located just downstairs from where under-cover officers were offered sex in-exchange for money. Since massage therapy is one of the services Aviles provides,she’s had people come in that she believes had her confused with her upstairs neighbor.”Those people that kept on coming here, they were people who seemed like they just get off from work and get a massage. As soon as I see these people, Igo, I don’t think they want a massage, they don’t look like good guys.”

Tuesday night, one by one, the suspects were led off in handcuffs by La Quinta police officers. 42 year old Mei Wang of La Quinta was arrested on suspicion of pimping. 38 year old WaiLauof Indio arrested on suspicion of prostitution. Then after police searched the business, the owner, 37 year old Charlie Wong of La Quinta was taken in on suspicion of possessing meth.

The arrests were a relief for Rick Wilkerson who developed the shopping center before selling it.His office isn’t far from where the alleged prostitution took place. He says, it was obvious something wasn’t right. “So many people here all the time at various hours of the night. The attorney next door complaining to me coming down and talking to us and that’s the reason she left.”Anemployee at a nearby business who didn’t want to give us her name toldus she suspected they might be offering more than massages, by the simple fact she only saw male clients go inside, never any women.

Back downstairs, Aviles worries about the stigma that may follow in the wake of the arrests. She plans to move her business as soon as her lease runs out at the end of next year.”And now with this, Ifeel kinda like it give me that bad taste in my salon.I don’t like that.”