Illegal brothel bust leads to arrests

PROVIDENCE, R.I., (WPRI) - Police in Providence uncover two illegal brothels, one on Smithfield Avenue and one on South Main Street.

That bust happened last week, now eyewitness news has learned the owner of one of the properties says he didn't know the spas were being used as a cover up for crime.

Officers made the busts during an undercover operation at two spas.

One sting went down at Bali Spa.

One woman there was arrested and pleaded not guilty to soliciting sex for money.

According to the Providence Journal, the owner of the property says he did not know he was leasing out his store to be used a brothel.

During a second sting at the Downtown Spa, police arrested three other women.

Nam Kim is charged with permitting prostitution at the spa.

Jung Chem and Maree Yoon are charged with soliciting an undercover officer.

Last year, a law went into effect that makes indoor prostitution illegal in Rhode Island.