N4T Investigators: Public safety officials questioned after bust at illegal ... - KVOA...

[massage]

Allegations of misconduct surround a number of Tucson public servants tonight. The News 4 Tucson Investigators have learned that officers from the Tucson Police Department in addition to an employee of the Tucson Fire Department and a U.S. Customs and Border Protection agent have been brought in for questioning after a major bust into an illicit massage operation.

Multiple sources both inside and outside of law enforcement say this investigation dates back to January of this year.

The investigation stems from a BackPage.com advertisement selling illicit massages. Tucson police raided multiple locations, last January. Evidence was seized including, ledgers, and cell phones.

During the investigation, numerous officers involved were questioned and placed on administrative leave.

On Friday, the News 4 Tucson Investigators spoke with a woman who operated one of the raided businesses. As of tonight's report, she has not been charged, so the station is not revealing her identity.

She sat next to her attorney, Tucson attorney Cornelia Honchar as she spoke exclusively to the News 4 Tucson Investigators.

“I mean we're talking about sex. And we are talking about a reality. It takes two people to have sex. If it is a crime to sell sex therefore it is a crime to buy sex,” Honchar said.

We have reached out to the public safety agencies involved. They have refused to comment on the specific allegations. We did receive statements from these agencies:

Tucson Fire Department: “The Tucson Fire Department has placed one individual on leave pending the outcome of an ongoing investigation.”

U.S. Customs and Border Protection: The Tucson Sector Border Patrol cannot comment on an active Tucson Police Department investigation.

Tucson City Manager's Office: - The City Manager's Office can not comment due to a continuing investigation.

We have been told that there is an active criminal investigation at this time…the News 4 Tucson Investigators will continue to press the various agencies involved as more information becomes available.