Police tactics under review

Published 9:00 pm Thursday, October 6, 2005

LYNNWOOD – Snohomish County prosecutors and Lynnwood police will review the tactics undercover officers used, including sexual contact with masseuses, to shut down a massage parlor.

One Lynnwood undercover officer visited Classic Body Tonic Spa three times, and a second officer once, according to charging papers filed in Snohomish County Superior Court.

The women stroked the genitals of the officers on each visit, court documents said.

Lynnwood police and the county prosecutor will discuss whether such physical contact was necessary for the investigation. Officers could have obtained an offer and agreement for sex and made an immediate arrest for misdemeanor prostitution, Lynnwood police Commander Paul Watkins said.

Investigators, however, wanted evidence of a felony, which would result in closure of the business for being a front for prostitution, Watkins said.

“We had to tie the owner or the manager to the criminal activity. If it was one employee, one arrest, the business would have continued,” Watkins said.

Myong Gin Chow, 40, of Tacoma was charged with misdemeanor prostitution. The manager, Myong Suk Pang, 42, also of Tacoma, was charged with felony second-degree promoting prostitution.

The massage parlor, at 6508 196th St. SW, was shut down following the arrests in May. Officers went into the business April 27, May 4 and May 11. Investigators served a search warrant May 13 and arrested the women then.

Deputy prosecutor Rico Tessandore, who has since left the office, filed the cases last week.

Mark Roe, chief criminal deputy prosecutor, said he was not aware of the case until after it was filed.

“I have to review it, and I will discuss the case with the Lynnwood Police Department, and not the press,” Roe said Thursday.

“I’ve had some conversations, and there’s no doubt in my mind that because of complaints from citizens, they had to take some action,” Roe said. “Whether any officers went further than they should have is something I will discuss with them.”

Watkins said his officers didn’t cross the line.

Before the investigation, the officers and their supervisors discussed how much sexual contact would be allowed, Watkins said. The conclusion was that touching was acceptable, he added.

“I would not allow my officers to get out in the field and do something illegal,” Watkins said. “We thought it was a reasonable investigation method.”

Reporter Diana Hefley: 425-339-3463 or hefley@heraldnet.com.