Two women arrested during massage parlor raids in Palm Desert

Two massage therapists in Palm Desert were arrested for soliciting prostitution during an undercover operation by the Palm Desert Police Department Business District Team Thursday.

According to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, Xiao Ying Zhu, 45, of Hemet, and Xi Du, 54,of Palm Desert were charged with misdemeanor prostitution.

The first arrest happened at Rose Spa on Alessandro Dr. where a woman offered sexual favors to the undercover officers.

The team then moved the investigation to Desert Massage, located on Highway 111, and discovered illegal practices presented by another woman.

Some neighboring businesses tell us it’s a quiet strip mall but they’ve had their suspicions.

“My company has done a lot of carpet cleaning. It’s sad when the gals get aggressive in the rooms,” said Sean Durant who works nearby.

Officers said the arrests of Ying Zhu and Du are a part of an ongoing prostitution investigation and the Riverside County Sheriff’s Dept. works to clean the streets. Some pepole are happy to hear it.

“It’s something that has to be done with our children. These places aren’t great to have in our community,” said Durant.

Resident Kiji Ikezaki, said “I don’t think it’s appropriate.”

Others said it was a victimless crime.

“This shopping center is no different than any other in the Valley,” said Dean Smith, of Rancho Mirage.

The sheriff’s department says it needs the community’s help to get the job done.

“The advice I have is if you see something that is shady going on, feel free to call the Palm Desert Police Department,” said Julio Oseguera, a spokesperson for the department.