By KRWG News
Las Cruces – Officers from the Las Cruces Police Department's Special Services Unit, and agents from the FBI and Immigration and Customs Enforcement initiated search warrants Wednesday on two massage parlors suspected of providing illegal services to their male clientele.
Shortly after 2 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 24, investigators simultaneously entered the Bally Hot Stone Spa at 1685 Don Roser Dr. and the Green Hot Stone Spa at 2903 Hillrise Dr. Two female employees at each location were taken into custody for questioning but no arrests have been made so far.
In April 2011 a sergeant with the Las Cruces Police Department learned of an advertisement on Craigslist for the Bally Massage Spa that offered "Beautiful, friendly Asian staff waiting for you." The ad also included a seductive photo of an Asian woman. The sergeant contacted an agent with the FBI and both began investigating the establishment.
During the course of the investigation "erotic reviews" of Bally's and that of the Green Hot Stone Spa were uncovered on Internet sites that cater to escort services.
Over the next few months undercover agents visited both businesses and were offered sexual services in exchange for cash. The agents did not accept the offers but did gather enough evidence to support today's search warrants.
Agents are continuing their investigation by gathering records and additional evidence at both businesses. Possible charges against the owners of the businesses include promoting prostitution and accepting earnings of a prostitute.
Additional information will be made available as warranted.
Anyone with information that may help further the investigation is asked to call police at (575) 526-0795 or send a tip via e-mail to lcpdtips@las-cruces.org.