Two arrested in alleged massage-parlor extortion

Alex A. Campbell of Glenview and Danielle John of Des Plaines were arrested Wednesday and charged with attempted extortion and conspiracy to commit extortion involving employees at the Day and Night Spa, 940 E. Northwest Highway, Mount Prospect.

According to the federal complaint, Campbell owns the spa and was trying to extort money from an employee, an unnamed foreign national, after suggesting he could help with her immigration status. The complaint also alleged Campbell insisted she pay him more money or be forced to work longer hours at the spa, and that John was involved.

Campbell was identified as being in his 40s and living in the 4100 block of Williamsburg Court. John, 23, resides in the 9000 block of Embassy Lane, according to authorities.

They were arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, who later executed search warrants at the spa and other locations in the case, along with Cook County Sheriff's Police.

Extortion conspiracy carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Campbell and John have detention hearings set for Friday in U.S. District Court.