Vice Cops Caught Red-Handy-Handied

OCTOBER 7--Memo to all TSG visitors: Please, please, please take five minutes to read this remarkable probable cause affidavit just filed in connection with a prostitution case against two Washington massage parlor workers. After the Classic Body Tonic Spa opened earlier this year, Lynnwood Police Department investigators became suspicious that female employees were providing a variety of illegal services. So, two undercover officers--Ron Moore and 'Officer Brooks'--visited the establishment for a look-see. But instead of just observing, the cops actually were, um, serviced by massage parlor employees on a total of three separate occasions. The September 30 court document helpfully notes that upon, er, completion of a May 4 visit to the parlor, one female worker brandished a 'warm wash cloth to wipe Brooks' groin area.' The document also includes Moore's recollection of being told about the spa's price list: 'Okay, you pay $60 for massage. $20 for handy-handy.' As a result of the probe, Myong Gin Chow, 40, and Myung Suk Shaw, 41, were hit last week with prostitution charges. Prosecutors are reportedly reviewing the police tactics since vice cops usually pull out the cuffs once a massage parlor employee agrees to perform a sex act for money. (4 pages)