Overview

• Police investigation into Ocean Spa Massage Parlor in San Diego was spurred by complaints of sex noises disturbing nearby church services, leading to a sting operation.
• Over 125 hours of police work documented employees offering sex to undercover officers and uncovered over 1,300 online ads for sex at the parlor.
• Four individuals were arrested for prostitution, and the city is seeking over $100,000 in civil penalties and legal fee reimbursements.
• The operation highlights ongoing prostitution issues in San Diego, exacerbated by a 2022 law repealing a ban on loitering with intent to engage in prostitution.
• Local business owners report an increase in prostitution and sex trafficking, attributing it to the law's emboldening effect on the industry.