Covina police arrested seven people after an undercover sting found illegal sexual activity at seven San Gabriel Valley massage parlors.
Officers from the Covina Police Department, 45, partnered with city code enforcement officials to conduct the weeklong enforcement operation at massage establishments throughout the city this week, Lt. Ray Marquez told the San Gabriel Valley Tribune. All seven businesses inspected were found to be in violation involving illegal sexual activity, according to police.
As part of the undercover operation, a “decoy” was sent into each of the parlors, Marquez said. Once an employee allegedly agreed to perform sexual acts for money, officers moved in and arrested the suspect. Police shared a post showing suspects in handcuffs and a look inside the parlors.
The sting was set up after police received a tip about possible illegal sexual acts being performed on a family member who was getting massages in the city. Marquez said these places were not named businesses, with customers learning about the alleged illegal services through word-of-mouth.
“These cases remain under investigation as our department continues working to address illegal activity and ensure businesses operating within our city are in compliance with the law,” police said in a statement.
“The Covina Police Department and our city partners remain committed to maintaining a safe community for our residents, businesses, and visitors!”
Video released by the department shows officers entering several massage businesses, inspecting rooms and speaking with people inside. At one point in the footage, roughly four or five women appear to be detained or escorted by officers outside one of the establishments. Police did not identify the women shown or say whether any or all of them were arrested. Other portions show officers moving through private massage rooms and inspecting areas inside the businesses.
Several citations were issued as a result of the inspections, police said. The department did not elaborate on what investigators allegedly uncovered at each establishment or detail the specific violations documented.
In the viral moment that drew widespread attention, the Covina Police Department’s social media post included images of the operation and the message about community safety. The cases remain under investigation, and additional information was not immediately released by the department.