77 Violations Found In 'Massage' Parlor Sweep 11.11.10

WRTV – 6, WISH – 8

INDIANAPOLIS -- Seventy-seven violations were found in a Wednesday sweep of 11 "massage" parlors operating in Marion County, officials said Thursday.

The multi-agency sweep involved the Department of Code Enforcement, several fire departments, the Department of Homeland Security, the Indianapolis Metro Police Department and other agencies.

Eleven citations were issued for unlicensed businesses, and 14 citations were handed out for unlicensed massage therapists, said Kate Johnson, public information officer for the Department of Code Enforcement.

Unlicensed massage parlors are often havens for prostitution and other illegal activity, but there were no sex-related arrests in Wednesday's sweep.

"Sweeps like these are an important part of our efforts to improve the quality of life for every Indianapolis resident," said Mayor Greg Ballard, in a news release.

Other citations were issued for signage, trash, fire, smoking and parking problems associated with the businesses, Johnson said.
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