Scottsdale's massage-parlor crackdown leads to 19 arrests


Associated Press
Aug. 7, 2003 07:45 AM

A monthlong crackdown on Scottsdale massage parlors has netted the arrest of 19 people on charges ranging from prostitution to poor record-keeping.

Scottsdale City Council approved tighter rules on massage businesses earlier this summer that became effective July 5.

"They gave us a law. They gave us an ordinance we can now enforce," said Scottsdale Police Chief Alan G. Rodbell.

The new law was developed after residents and business owners complained about the rapid increase in massage parlors and concerns that some of them were involved in prostitution.

"Hopefully, this is the tip of the iceberg and they start shutting them all down because it's quite evident who is legitimate and who is not," said Steve Durgarian, a longtime Scottsdale resident and business owner. "Stevie Wonder and Ray Charles can see that."

Since the law became effective, police have inspected 136 of the 157 massage parlors in the city.

Seven undercover operations resulted in five people being charged with prostitution and two people charged with being an unlicensed massage therapist.

Police have also issued citations to 11 owners for improper record-keeping.