Undercover Cop Visits Massage Parlors In Rohnert Park

ROHNERT PARK, CA — The business licenses for two Rohnert Park massage parlors may be in jeopardy after an undercover operation was conducted Thursday by the Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety with assistance from the FBI and the city’s Code Compliance Department, police officials said in a news release.

During Thursday's operation, an undercover officer went into Muse Spa, 1303 Maurice Ave., and Rosemary Spa and Massage, 1451 Southwest Blvd., in the University Square Shopping Center off Snyder Lane, and requested a massage.

While getting a massage at each location, the officer was offered a sex act by the masseuse, police said.

Additional Rohnert Park officers then entered the businesses and interviewed the masseuses as well as anyone else found inside regarding the suspected prostitution, and to determine if anyone was being trafficked, police said.

Inspections of the businesses were also conducted by a city fire marshal and a city code compliance officer.

According to police, neither woman at either location claimed to be trafficked. The women were still offered access to resources if they desired assistance.

"Additional follow-up will be conducted regarding the business license issued by the city for both of these massage parlors due to the violations found," police said in the news release.

Rohnert Park police noted it is not uncommon to find women being trafficked at massage parlors where prostitution occurs. The women are frequently moved from location to location by the people running the parlors, police said.

Many times, police said, traffickers hold onto women's identification and other credentials, and hold debts over them that they are required to pay off by working at parlors or other facilities. For these reasons, police said, it is not uncommon for the women to not come forward about being trafficked because of the fear instilled in them if they do.

To report someone who is being trafficked or exploited in Rohnert Park for sex or any other purpose, the Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety can be reached at 707-584-2600.

Police also encourage anyone who suspects or knows of any criminal activity occurring at businesses or anywhere else to contact the department by phone or by sending an email, if one wishes to remain confidential, to crimetips@rpcity.org.