Polk County Massage Parlor Sting Operation Leads to 21 Arrests and Legal Concerns
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd recently announced the results of a large-scale undercover sting operation targeting massage parlors suspected of illegal activities, including prostitution. In total, 22 businesses were audited across the county, and Sheriff Judd confirmed that 12 were found to be in violation of the law. These violations ranged from operating without proper licenses to engaging in prostitution, a crime that the sheriff was quick to condemn.
The sting resulted in 20 arrests of massage therapists, along with one additional woman who was taken into custody for interfering with the arrest of another suspect. Sheriff Judd stated that all of the women arrested were of Asian descent, with three being U.S. citizens and the remainder working in the country on visas. This detail raised significant concerns regarding the validity of the work visas, prompting the sheriff to comment that the federal government likely did not intend for individuals to use their work visas for illegal activities.
“I don’t think the federal government had in mind this kind of work when they gave them a work visa, but they’re here anyway,” Judd remarked. He further expressed his commitment to working with federal agencies to ensure the proper action was taken, including potentially revoking the visas of those involved.
The women arrested ranged in age from 31 to 64, with some suspected of operating within a traveling circuit of massage parlors across the region. Judd explained that the suspects were often transient, moving between locations, and he stressed that many of these businesses were repeat offenders.
The operation’s details also included a focus on the types of activities that took place inside these massage parlors. In one instance, a 37-year-old woman attempted to coerce an undercover officer into engaging in sex after he paid $60 for a massage. Sheriff Judd described how the woman physically blocked the door to prevent the deputy from leaving and attempted to hold him down. Fortunately, the deputy was able to avoid further escalation. Another woman, 64 years old, was also involved in a similar attempt to engage in illegal activity after offering a one-hour massage.
Sheriff Judd cautioned the public to avoid frequenting these establishments, warning that patrons might find themselves on video if they engage in illegal behavior. He further emphasized that law enforcement is vigilant in monitoring massage parlors across the county, aiming to ensure that businesses are complying with local laws and regulations.
As part of his announcement, Judd highlighted that many of the businesses had failed to maintain proper records, a requirement under Florida’s updated regulations for massage therapy businesses. The sheriff indicated that additional regulatory charges could be filed against those operating without the necessary documentation.
While the sheriff’s office continues to crack down on illegal activity, Judd expressed that many massage parlors are operating within the law, noting that most follow proper procedures. However, the audits will continue as part of the sheriff’s broader strategy to eliminate illicit activities from the community.
The following massage parlors were implicated in the undercover operation:
- Xi Xi Spa – Winter Haven
- New Coast Spa – Dundee
- Queen Day Spa – Winter Haven
- Health Asian Massage – Winter Haven
- Shangrila Massage Spa – Winter Haven
- New Oriental Massage – Winter Haven
- Top Oasis Massage & Spa – Lakeland
- I-Spa Massage – Lakeland
- Ocean Massage Star – Lakeland
- Lucky Asian Massage – Lakeland
- Eastern Massage – Lakeland
- Sun Spa – Davenport
Sheriff Judd’s press conference underscored the importance of addressing illegal activities that may be taking place behind the closed doors of seemingly innocent businesses. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office has made it clear that these stings will continue, and that they will work in collaboration with federal agencies to ensure any unlawful activity is swiftly dealt with.
The operation also highlights the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces when dealing with businesses that operate on the fringes of legality. While many legitimate massage therapists provide essential services, the few that participate in illicit activities tarnish the reputation of the industry as a whole.
With continued vigilance, Sheriff Judd and his department are sending a strong message to those engaged in illegal activities: the law will not be ignored, and those violating it will face the consequences.
