Carol Stream takes action against two massage parlors
Prostitution charges and a series of ordinance violations have led to the forced closure of one Carol Stream massage parlor and a fine for the other.
Village President Frank Saverino issued the rulings Monday following a first-of-its-kind administrative adjudication hearing regarding the village's "Massage Establishments Ordinance."
The AD Spa, 1430 W. Army Trail Road, was closed immediately following Saverino's decision to revoke the parlor's license and must evacuate within a week.
Police say an investigation at the spa resulted in prostitution charges against a female employee and 13 ordinance violations assessed to ownership.
"It was all prostitution," Saverino said. "You go in there to get your feet massaged and you have no idea what could happen before you walk out."
Previous owners of the Luna Spa, 383 N. Gary Ave., also were assessed a $2,000 fine after a similar compliance check resulted in prostitution charges against a female employee and citations for nine separate violations of the local ordinance.
"We're making it really hard for these kinds places to come to our town. And the ones already here, we'll be watching like a hawk," Saverino said. "This sends a message: Do the right thing or get out."
Saverino said he blames the pressure for strip mall owners to fill empty storefronts for allowing the parlors in.
"They need business owners to pay the rent so they're letting these guys in," he said. "And it's really embarrassing to the legitimate spas in town."