Erik Avanier , Reporter. According to the arrest reports, the women, several of whom had been previously arrested on prostitution and drug charges, were busted when an undercover detective posed as a customer. The next day, two others were arrested on prostitution charges at massage parlors on Philips Highway. Employees of neighboring businesses said one of the parlors was often open well beyond the posted hours of operation and that many suspicious-looking men would show up in the parking lot, where they would wait for the massage therapist to come out and escort them into the building.
Peng Guirong, 53, was arrested Wednesday after she offered an undercover officer more than just a back rub at one of the massage parlors on Philips Highway, according to police. Investigators also determined that she was not a licensed massage therapist. Employees of nearby businesses said they suspected the office space to be a front for prostitution.
Neighbors said the place was a magnet for men looking for something other than a massage. Another massage parlor is located just down the road.
That's where Min Xiurong, 48, was arrested Wednesday on a prostitution charge, police said. New4Jax crime and safety analyst Gil Smith said these types of businesses are popping up across the city,. Smith added that many prostitutes posing as massage therapists often advertise on websites such as Craigslist.
Here are the names of the seven arrested this week and the charges they face:. Katie Davis, 29, of Jacksonville, is charged with offering, committing or engaging in prostitution or assignation -- first offense. Chantelle Greene, 27, is charged with offering, committing or engaging in prostitution or assignation -- third and subsequent offense. Peng Guirong, 53, of Jacksonville, is charged with unlicensed practices of a health care profession and offering, committing or engaging in prostitution or assignation -- first offense.
