Neighbors say illegal massage parlor raids helped clean-up Kent - KOMO News

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by Joel Moreno | KOMO News

Neighbors say illegal massage parlor raids helped clean-up Kent (PHOTO: KOMO News)

KENT, Wash. —
The soliciting prostitution charges against New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft underscores the disturbing exploitation of girls and women across the country — including here in Western Washington.

Late last year, Kent police conducted a massage parlor sting operation and shut down 18 businesses they said were fronts for prostitution. Neighbors said it made an immediate difference.

Saya Thai & Japanese Restaurant has been serving up Asian dishes out of its location on S 212th Street for 31 years, but the owner didn't appreciate the business that used to operate next door.

“Our restaurant is a family dine-in restaurant and sometimes we see activities, people in and out," said Denise Insixiengmay of Saya Thai.

Annamarie Tyseling works at Ruze Vapor Shop, which is in the same strip mall. She said the parlor kept a low-profile but still she worried.

“It made me sad and creeped me out at the same time,” Tyseling said.

Since their sting operation, Kent police said none of the illegal businesses have reopened — at least within the city limits — and the message is out that sexual exploitation won't be tolerated.

“We don't need that kind of business around here,” Insixiengmay said.

Many cities in Western Washington have shifted from arresting prostitutes to helping them but they still crack down on pimps and sex traffickers.


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