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Un-Happy Ending: Day Spa Fronting for Prostitution Raided by Police

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Police in Buena Park raided the Lincoln Day Spa on Thursday, as part of a seven-month-long investigation to determine if the business was a front for prostitution, according to abc7. As a result, "four female suspects were arrested for prostitution and the business owner has been arrested for operating outside the scope of a legitimate business." The authorities were tipped off by a citizen, then ran an undercover operation.

Investigators say the business, which was disguised as a therapeutic day spa, advertised itself with many services including acupuncture and various massage styles. Police say undercover officers were offered massage services along with various sexual acts for an additional expense.

The business has been closed, but the Buena Park PD say their investigation is ongoing, and more charges may yet be filed.

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