Two Bellevue massage parlors put on notice after prostitution allegations

BELLEVUE, Wash. -- Bellevue police declared two massage parlors "chronic nuisance" properties after repeated allegations of prostitution.

It’s all because of a new Bellevue chronic nuisance city code, passed in response to repeated complaints of prostitution, drug-related activity or assault violations.

In a busy shopping center in Factoria, Sunnyday Spa was quiet Wednesday. It’s one of two businesses Bellevue police put on notice after repeated complaints of prostitution. Bellevue police revealed it spent months investigating, even using undercover detectives.

“I really didn’t think there was anything like this in Bellevue until it was right next door,” said a concerned parent, who didn’t want to be identified.

This mother was too nervous to show her face, but her kids attend a Tae Kwon Do class next door. She said she suspected illegal activity at the Sunnyday Spa and had been keeping a close watch.

“It was pretty obvious what was going on, only men would go in there. They’d come at all hours,” she said.

Neighboring businesses like Toshi Teriyaki said they had heard the rumors and are pleased to see Bellevue police step in to help.

“They deserve to be shut down if they are doing that kind of business,” said Brian Kim, whose parents own Toshi.

Jolee Spa in downtown Bellevue is also on notice for allegations of prostitution.

Bellevue police say Sunnyday Spa is cooperating with them, which means the business could reopen. However, investigators said they have yet to hear from Jolee Spa. Failure to respond within 15 days of receiving a notice could result in a fine up to $500 a day.

Bellevue police said there could be additional massage parlors seeing the same notice.