Massage Parlor Investigation Nets Prostitution arrest

After receiving complaints alleging lawbreaking at on U.S. 19 in New Port Richey, law enforcement officers decided to pay a visit.

An undercover officer walked into the spa and offered a “sex act” by an woman working there, New Port Richey Police Chief James Steffens said. During a raid Friday, she was arrested. It appears people lived in some rooms in the spa, Steffens said.

Steffens said complaints about Miyako specifically alleged human trafficking and prostitution. They came from from nearby businesses, he said.

A woman was arrested and charged with solicitation of prostitution. Steffens said the woman Lian Jin Jin, 51, spoke enough English to communicate with officers.

Steffens declined to comment further on the human trafficking aspect, other than to say it was a concern. The Clearwater Police Department, which has a human trafficking task force, assisted the police department, as well as the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office and Department of Health.

Stephen Chellis is operator of Miyako and is someone “who’s in daily control of the business,” Steffens said.

Police were only able to reach him by phone, Steffens said.  He was cited for violation of the City's Highway Commercial Zoning ordinance due to the suspicion of the business being used as a residence

This isn’t the first time a prostitution arrest has been linked to someone associated with Miyako, according to Steffens. He said that three Asian females were arrested on prostitution charges in 2007.

The investigation continues, Steffens said.