Crime & Safety

San Mateo Massage Parlor Allegedly Linked to Prostitution

Police believe prostitution acts occurred at Celandine Day Spa on Fifth Avenue.

The San Mateo Police Department has cited the owner of a local spa in connection with alleged prostitution acts at the business, police said Thursday.

In response to complaints from other businesses, the Police Department's Special Investigations Bureau -- a specialized unit that focuses on narcotics and vice-related crimes -- initiated an investigation into Celandine Day Spa, located at 155 Fifth Ave., San Mateo Police Sgt. Dave Norris said.

Authorities allegedly found evidence linking the spa to prostitution acts, and on Wednesday afternoon served a search warrant a the spa, according to Norris.

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The owner was cited for various San Mateo city code violations pertaining to illegal operation of a massage business, Norris said.

“It is imperative that we safeguard the public by stopping human trafficking and exploitation that can take place in businesses that are fronts for prostitution,” San Mateo Police Deputy Chief Michael Callagy said in a statement.

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“The healing profession of massage therapists deserve the good name of their profession to be without compromise and to that end we will act on any massage establishment that offers acts of prostitution,” he said.

Callagy serves on a statewide committee to monitor and craft legislation that ensures lawful massage businesses are protected and illegal massage businesses are held accountable for unlawful activity.

San Mateo Patch will update this story as more information becomes available.

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