SV massage practitioner arrested for alleged prostitution

A massage practitioner was arrested on suspicion of prostitution Jan. 27 at the Shiatsu Spa in Scotts Valley following an undercover investigation by the Scotts Valley Police Department.
Undercover officers were following up on reports of lewd acts between persons for money that had been reported to take place at the Scotts Valley Drive establishment.
In a media release issued by the police, Qiuyang Zhang, 62, was arrested and evidence was seized in a search after two undercover officers reported having been propositioned for a lewd act for money. She posted $5,000 bail on Tuesday, Feb. 1, and has a court date on Feb. 14.
Zhang has no previous criminal record.
According to Lt. John Hohmann, it was not the first time suspicions regarding the spa had been raised.
Several years ago, Hohmann said, an investigation failed to find sufficient solid evidence to support any charges.
“It’s not the first time the police have done an undercover operation at that place,” Scotts Valley City Councilman Jim Reed said. “Over the holidays, I talked with somebody, and I got a very good tip that more than massages were being offered there.”
Reed reported the tip to the police department, which led to the arrest.
According to Scotts Valley Municipal Code, massage practitioners operating within the city limits must get an annual permit from the chief of police and pass a fingerprint scan.
Zhang’s permit expired in June, Hohmann said.
Reed stressed the need not to let the accusations against Shiatsu Spa change people’s opinions of other spas in town.
“I would hope we’re looking at every option to make sure that establishment does not sully the reputation of the other places in town,” Reed said.
Scotts Valley Police Department Chief John Weiss said he is “looking at revocation of the business license, because the masseuse’s massage permit was expired.”
“As for criminal history, a massage practitioner cannot get a local permit if they have past criminal history,” Weiss said.
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