With another prostitution raid taking place this week at a strip mall massage parlor, suburban police departments said Thursday that they are beginning to work together to determine if the crimes are connected.
Investigators say similarities certainly are there: In each case, workers in storefront massage parlors were arrested after they reportedly offered to perform a sexual act on an undercover police officer.
And in most cases, police said, the suspects arrested were illegal immigrants. Only three of the women were charged: two with prostitution and one with keeping a house of prostitution. The others, employees of the establishment at 23 E. Golf Terrace, were not charged. Because the alleged illegal activities in Arlington Heights were similar to those uncovered during raids over the past two years in other suburbs, police expect to share information.
John Fellmann, of the criminal investigations bureau. They will no doubt contact us. Prospect, Downers Grove and Hillside came as the result of undercover operations, which in turn were prompted by complaints that employees were offering more than just massages. Prospect and Hillside, said it is difficult to determine if there is a connection between the incidents because many of the women arrested are immigrants who speak little or no English.
Additionally, Fisher said, the fact that some of the women have been arrested at more than one of the parlors indicates that perhaps the businesses are fronts for illegitimate practices. Fisher said it could be that the women are being brought to the United States and, as payment for the trip, are being forced to work at the parlors.
