Police shut down parlor for alleged prostitution

A month-long undercover operation by the Covington Police Department’s Street Crime Unit came to a close Thursday night with the arrest of three women at the Sunshine Therapy Massage Parlor at 2600 U. S. Highway 190 Suite 1 for suspected prostitution.

A tip to police resulted in the investigation, which culminated in the arrests and revocation of the business’ license about 6 p.m. Thursday.

Arrested in the undercover operation were:

Deng Xiacohuan, 45, charged with keeping a disorderly place;

Xin Hua Xiong, aka “Lucy,” 52, charged with RS 14:83.3 prostitution by massage; and Li Xiuzhi, aka “Wendy,” 43, charged with one count of massage sexual conduct prohibited RS 14:83.4 and one count prostitution by massage RS 14:83.3. All three give their address as 75134 Louisiana Highway 25 Covington.

CPD spokesman Capt. Jack West said that investigators seized the business’s records, which were written in Chinese and are in the process of having the materials translated.

No other arrests were made in conjunction with the business.

All three women were arrested without incident, booked and released on summons.