Massage Parlors Involved in Prostitution Arrests to Request New Licenses

Two Marion massage parlors have had their "public amusement license" suspended after police charged employees with prostitution.

The Marion City Council discussed the status of both businesses — Heavenly Massage and Asian Massage — at Tuesday’s City Council work session.

Both of the massage parlors are requesting a review of the incident in an attempt to get their licenses reinstated.

Marion City Manager Lon Pluckhan said that's a tall order.

"It is a pretty severe offense," he said. "My guess is that they have a pretty tall hill to clime."

A hearing has been set for Dec. 20, where the business owners will state their case and Marion Police will present their findings. The council will ultimately rule whether their license will be reinstated.

The original incident took place Oct. 19. The Marion Police Department arrested two for prostitution and two for disorderly house violations at two local massage parlors last week.

Officers were made aware of the alleged sex acts after receiving a tip from a confidential informant.

Because the parlor's licenses have been revoked, they are restricted from providing massages. The business can stay open, however, as long as they don't give massages.

Marion Police Sgt. Lance Miller said the department is keeping tabs on the parlors to make sure they are not performing massages.