Bartlesville Police Department officers arrested one person Thursday on charges of engaging in or soliciting prostitution and massage without a license after a months-long investigation into a local business, BPD Capt. Jay Hastings said Friday.
Meli Zhoa, 52, was arrested Thursday evening at Panda Massage, located at 3929 SE Frank Phillips Blvd.
“Bartlesville detectives have been working on this case for a few months after receiving complaints,” Hastings said.
He said local detectives worked with another agency on the case, which sent in an undercover officer for a massage.
“At the point where the (undercover) officer was solicited to pay for sex, detectives came into the business and made the arrest,” Hastings said. “A log book was seized along with business records of previous transactions.”
Hastings said Panda Massage has been advertising on social media websites such as “Back Page” and other adult sites.
The investigation is continuing and reports will be forwarded to the district attorney as well as the City codes enforcement department concerning the business license.
“Law enforcement agencies are constantly working (cases involving) these types of businesses in the larger cities, which have begun to open up in smaller rural communities,” Hastings said.
“The Bartlesville Police Department will continue to monitor this type of illegal activity, making sure it does not occur in our community.”