General Reports

**Dudder** · 02-24-06 18:45

Three charged in spa raids

HAMMOND | A day after a raid on several local spas, charges were filed Thursday against at least three people in federal court. At least one of the cases involves allegations of transporting people for sexual trafficking.

A number of closed hearings -- prosecutors wouldn't say how many -- preceded an open charging hearing for three women at U.S. District Court in Hammond.

Prosecutors released only the criminal complaints against the three. The affidavits, or documents setting forth the evidence justifying the charges, were sealed at the request of federal prosecutors.

Federal prosecutor said the hearings were closed because the government does not want to jeopardize a continuing investigation.

U.S. Magistrate Judge, who presided over the hearings, requested two translators be scheduled for the bond hearings Tuesday because of the large number of defendants.

Dyer Assistant Police Chief said his department has worked with federal authorities for about two years on the case involving Sun Spa, 1604 Joliet St., Dyer. It was one of nine locations where federal and local police served search warrants Wednesday.

The women charged in open court on Thursday were of Duluth, Ga.; of Elk Grove Village, Ill., and of 2250 Cook Court, Schererville. A Korean interpreter was present to translate for all three women. The immigration status of the women wasn't released by the government.

Both Hyun and Young asked that Rodovich appoint attorneys for them. Thompson said she wanted to hire her own attorney and would attempt to have the attorney present for her bond hearing.

Thompson was charged at request of the U.S. Internal Revenue Service with promoting or facilitating prostitution by traveling in interstate commerce and use of the U.S. mail or communication facility to promote or facilitate prostitution. If convicted, Thompson would face a maximum prison sentence of five years and a maximum fine of $250,000.

Hyun was charged at the request of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement with transporting individuals for sexual trafficking, which carries a potential maximum prison sentence of 10 years and a maximum fine of $250,00.

She also was charged with travel in interstate commerce with the intent to manage or facilitate prostitution, which carries a maximum prison sentence of five years and a maximum fine of $250,000 if convicted.

Young was charged at the request of the IRS with travel in interstate commerce with the intent to facilitate or carry on prostitution. If convicted, Young would face a maximum prison term of five years and a maximum fine of $250,000.

Collins is requesting no bond be granted for the women because they are a flight risk. Rodovich told the women if the government can't prove they are a flight risk, he will set their bond.

WHERE WERE WARRANTS SERVED?
According to a statement from the office of U.S. attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, search warrants were executed at Sun Spa, 1064 Joliet Street, Dyer; Tokyo Tanning and Day Spa, 2303 45th Street, Highland; Barley Spa, 9636 Forrest Drive, Highland; and Singapore Spa, 2034 45th Street, Highland.
Warrants also were served at 2250 Cook Court, Schererville; 477 White Pine Road, Buffalo Grove, Ill.; 1833 Berry Lane, Des Plaines, Ill.; 6034 N. Wolcott, Apt. 3N, Chicago; and 37314 N. Shirley, Gurnee, Ill.
about 150 local and federal law enforcement officials participated in the raids.

**Rays1969** · 02-24-06 10:53

Area spas targeted in raid

Feb. 24, 2006

By Pamela Lewis Dolan / Post-Tribune staff writer

Local and federal authorities stormed massage parlors and residences to execute search warrants in a broad sweep Wednesday that encompassed the Chicago area and Northwest Indiana.

Neighbors of the some of the targeted Northwest Indiana massage parlors said it wouldn’t take much guessing to figure out what police were investigating.

“Everyone knows what goes on there,” said Jonathan Doffin, who witnessed the raid of Barley Spa, 9636 Forrest Drive in Highland.

The spa, which neighbors say regularly hosts patrons who would ring a doorbell to gain entry, sat dark Thursday evening.

Doffin, who works at Witham’s gas station next door to the spa, said he was visiting his grandmother in the apartment complex across the street when “cop cars flew in and raided the place.”

Barley Spa was one of four massage parlors and one

residence hit in Northwest Indiana. The raids also included four residences in Illinois.

The U.S. Department of Justice issued a news release Thursday announcing the raids had taken place, but declined to release further details.

Ryan Holmes, spokesman for U.S. Attorney Joseph Van Bokkelen, declined to verify there had been arrests in the raids.

“It is Department of Justice policy not to comment on ongoing investigations,” Holmes said.

According to the Department of Justice release, the FBI, Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Internal Revenue Service, United States Postal Inspection Service and the United State Marshall Service participated in the raids.

Representatives of the FBI and the IRS would not discuss their agencies’ roles in the raids.

Doffin said one night last October he saw a car that appeared to be staking out the gas station. He became concerned he might be the target of a robbery attempt, so he called police.

“They (police) said not to worry, they were watching the Barley Spa,” Doffin said. “I couldn’t believe they told me that.”

Neighbors to the Singapore Spa, 2034 45th St. in Highland, were relieved police were finally doing something about a place they’ve long suspected harbors illegal activity.

A business owner nearby, who wished not to be identified, said the spa routinely stayed open past midnight, with only male patrons frequenting.

“You tell me what kind of spa has callers coming at that hour,” she said.

She said a customer, a black woman, came in once and said she had gone to Singapore Spa hoping to get a massage.

“She said they refused to serve her, and she thought it was because she was black.”

“I told her it wasn’t her race they were discriminating against.”

Connie Ralston, who also works in the strip mall where Singapore is located, said she witnessed the raid.

About 6 p.m. Wednesday, she saw several officers wearing emblazoned jackets, some bearing the letters “FBI,” others with “IRS-CID,” run up to the spa’s front door.

She said they carried several large storage containers inside. She didn’t see anyone being taken out, but she said she didn’t look in back, where a rear door is located.

Also included in the raid was the Toyko Tanning and Day Spa, 2303 45th St. in Highland. The stand-alone building neighbored by professional business offices sat dark Thursday evening.

Approximately 150 officers participated in the sting, which also included Sun Spa, 1064 Joliet St. in Dyer, and a residence at 2250 Cook Court in Schererville. Sites in Buffalo Grove, Des Plaines, Chicago and Gurnee in Illinois also were targeted.

Originally Posted by Deep Subman

We have been hit! I saw in the Post Tribune today that several spas and homes were raided. I hope some of our new members are not LE. Just the same, I think we should do a little more PM. I guess Barley and Singapore were mentioned but I for one am going to have to lay low for awhile. I hope none of my mongering friends were caught up in the sting, be careful out there. DS

**Rileym** · 02-24-06 10:23

Was it just limited to Barley and Singapore? PM if you want.

**Deep Subman** · 02-24-06 09:34

We have been hit! I saw in the Post Tribune today that several spas and homes were raided. I hope some of our new members are not LE. Just the same, I think we should do a little more PM. I guess Barley and Singapore were mentioned but I for one am going to have to lay low for awhile. I hope none of my mongering friends were caught up in the sting, be careful out there. DS

**Tom Kat** · 02-24-06 08:39

Badger,
Club O is at the Halsted exit off 294 (Tristate tollway). Been there a number of times. I personnlly think it is the best strip club I have been at. Lot's of hot ladies. Goog laps too.

Originally Posted by Badgers

I have to say that a super hot stripper is worth the cash sometimes esp. if compared to harpooning a whale on the table at the bookstore. That place is gross. Now, it could be that there is a rotation from time to time, but the big momma's are not my thing. I keep hearing that there are young hot "dancers" there but I have never seen one on my several visits.

I would rather AMP it, or just pay for the tease from a hot size-four 19 year old at a strip joint (sure a few dancers offer escort services but most don't) than go to a place like the bookstore, or just put up with my girlfriend.

Hats off for the suggestions. Where is club O?

**Badgers** · 02-23-06 20:49

I have to say that a super hot stripper is worth the cash sometimes esp. if compared to harpooning a whale on the table at the bookstore. That place is gross. Now, it could be that there is a rotation from time to time, but the big momma's are not my thing. I keep hearing that there are young hot "dancers" there but I have never seen one on my several visits.

I would rather AMP it, or just pay for the tease from a hot size-four 19 year old at a strip joint (sure a few dancers offer escort services but most don't) than go to a place like the bookstore, or just put up with my girlfriend.

Hats off for the suggestions. Where is club O?

**Sexmoron** · 02-23-06 18:18

Originally Posted by Chief_Wiggum

Yes, Hip Huggers, how could I forgot! For good clean fun, you cannot beat Hip Huggers. However there is no privacy. I had this one girl, OMG she was super-hot, girl next door type. I should've tried take out. IIRC, only petting the kitty was YMMV. If we're talking small-town, Big Al's in Peoria is really good. Silver Bullet is good b/c it's cheap, but the girls are all small-town skanks.

However, right now, I am not concerned with good clean fun. I want some wh0re-house action, with good value for my dollar. Anyone know of something in this area, or even nationally? I have some frequent flyer miles that are burning a \hole in my pocket. I'm thinking about going to San Fran...I should make sure that things are as I left them.

I've been to the hip-hugger. Never was at Big Al's. Wanted to, no dice. I've been to nearly every strip joint in Indianapolis circa 1998. But my favorite strip joint of all time was Gage's in Lafayette, before it shut down.

The girls there would range from smelly skank to damn right gorgeous. And the action in their "rooms" could range from "keep your hands to yourself" to "stinky finger anyoldwhere". There is one stripper from there I still dream about. Brunette who used to do headstands. She could play me for the cash and I didn't care cause I was in love. She was a "stinky finger anywhere" girl and I was hoping to f**k her; for a good amount of cash I'm sure. It never happened because I got hard up for cash and when I got through that Gage's had closed. I think they called it Danzers before it closed. It might still be called Danzers at the new location. I visited the new Danzer's but hated it. Bye Bye Miss American Pie to that.

**Chief_Wiggum** · 02-23-06 15:27

Yes, Hip Huggers, how could I forgot! For good clean fun, you cannot beat Hip Huggers. However there is no privacy. I had this one girl, OMG she was super-hot, girl next door type. I should've tried take out. IIRC, only petting the kitty was YMMV. If we're talking small-town, Big Al's in Peoria is really good. Silver Bullet is good b/c it's cheap, but the girls are all small-town skanks.

However, right now, I am not concerned with good clean fun. I want some wh0re-house action, with good value for my dollar. Anyone know of something in this area, or even nationally? I have some frequent flyer miles that are burning a \hole in my pocket. I'm thinking about going to San Fran...I should make sure that things are as I left them.

**Jim267** · 02-23-06 11:06

One of the best in Indiana is Hip Hugger in Kokomo. Good looking ladies. They will take the time to sit an talk. Best of all dances are $10.00, with contact. Opens at noon no cover during the daytime and reasonable drink prices. My two cents....I know it's not NW IN but it's worth the drive.

**A Mongerer** · 02-23-06 00:07

For me IS is nothing more than a tease and I've not been back in more than a year. I've had luck in several of the other clubs (Pandora's, Wiggles, etc) but that's after long hours of making myself a known commodity.

The bookstore is an absolute sure thing, but you're not exactly seeing strippers there.

Club O is known for very good times during the day, and I've had takeout served a few times as well.

**Jimjamesx** · 02-22-06 19:18

Thanks for replying I've been looking for that girl for 6 months now. Can't wait to get with her again.

If you want details I'll tell you later.

**Badgers** · 02-22-06 18:56

Originally Posted by Tom Kat

What are your recommendations for strip clubs in MI????

Lansing MI has the best DeJaVu out there. At least on my two visits this year I had dances from tall hot blondes with nice natural busts (early 20s) who were very physical and sweet no pressure girls. I am not talking about any "extras" but just good clean fun. Also there is a strip club (I think it has a Greek name?) in Detroit near Greektown suite hotel, Casino, and the Monorail (walking distance) where there are some very hot Vegas type girls who are very physical if a bit money hungry. I have crossed the bridge to Windsor a few times, but the reports on the boards cover that stuff pretty well where a $20.00 CAN dance is only about $10 USD if the rates are right.

**Dudder** · 02-22-06 17:36

Based on your criteria below I would recommend Industrial Strip. If you want to crossover into Illinois I would include these clubs too Club O, Club 390 and the Skybox

QUOTE=Badgers]I have been to one of the strip clubs here in NWI and I keep hearing that all seem to be either very limited or no contact, not like the places up in MI where they basically nearly bring you to the point of, um, well let's just say a lap dance takes place on your lap. I have been to DeJaVu in Lake Station and the girls downstairs in the nude section are young and very hot, but man, they are distant in private dance mode - nothing like other DejaVu's across the country or Hustler clubs. So, I wonder which of the local places have the following:

1.) Hot Dancers
2.) Contact that is closer to the norm
3.) Are worth going back to visit

Thanks in advance.[/QUOTE]

**Chief_Wiggum** · 02-22-06 17:00

I'll let others report on Honey's and Shangri-la's service, as I went to those places once and did not like anything I saw. Plus, IIRC, the reports were pretty vague on what's available -- well, let's just say inconsistent. As for Industrial Strip, yes, you can touch everything except pet the kitty, but they were these annoying band-aid sticky things over their breasts. It's worse than doing it w/a condom

Like with most strip clubs, you can bargain. You can bargain to take those sticky things off (be prepared to pay $.5$). They (the strippers) always complain that it's such a hassle to put back on, but I highly disagree. My last time there, I got to suck me some breastss, but this was on a slow night, closing the place down.

IMO, Deja Vu both sucks and blows in terms of contact (and, not in any way that can be considered "good"), no matter the city. Hustler is just as bad, but San Fran Hustler is probably the best of the three (I heard take out is possible, but I doubt it). Of all the national ones that I know of, Spearmint Rhino is the best (though more SW than national) and Scores is a very, very distant second (though mostly NE). In terms of contact, nationally, it's really the Rhino, and whatever Las Vegas clubs have ownership in CA, TX, and GA (I've heard that NC has some good contact, but didn't get a chance to partake last time I was there).

**Tom Kat** · 02-22-06 15:07

What are your recommendations for strip clubs in MI????[

QUOTE=Badgers]I have been to one of the strip clubs here in NWI and I keep hearing that all seem to be either very limited or no contact, not like the places up in MI where they basically nearly bring you to the point of, um, well let's just say a lap dance takes place on your lap. I have been to DeJaVu in Lake Station and the girls downstairs in the nude section are young and very hot, but man, they are distant in private dance mode - nothing like other DejaVu's across the country or Hustler clubs. So, I wonder which of the local places have the following:

1.) Hot Dancers
2.) Contact that is closer to the norm
3.) Are worth going back to visit

Thanks in advance.[/QUOTE]