Sedona Tanning Salon Busted by Feds for Prostitution
NewsCentral Staff
Story Created:
Feb 15, 2013 at 6:21 PM EDT
Story Updated:
Feb 15, 2013 at 8:49 PM EDT
The feds have busted an alleged den of prostitution in Macon. Locals know it as the Sedona Tanning Salon on riverside drive, but it's had previous names and a checkered history.
For years, the building at 1922 Riverside Drive was known as Soft Hands Massage before changing its name to Sedona Tanning Salon. Authorities say there was much more than tanning going on behind Sedona's doors.
The business was raided Thursday night as a part of a joint operation by the FBI, IRS, ICE and the Macon Police Department.
U.S. Attorney Michael Moore told WGXA, "This week I can report that the Federal Grand Jury has returned a 43 count indictment against three individuals and a corporation tied to Sedona Tanning Salon."
The individuals facing charges are He-Yon Ju Choy, Hoon Ju Chay, Kay Wall Dyerson, Key Un Jordan and Hong Ick Incorporated. The defendants are charged with conspiracy to use an interstate facility to promote prostitution.
Moore went on to tell WGXA, "The indictment alleges that beginning in 2008 and ongoing that the individuals operated a place of prostitution at the Soft Hands Massage and Spa. That offense carries up to 5 years in prison and up to a $250,000 fine."
There are also allegations of money laundering and harboring illegal aliens as a part of the operation.
"I hope that the folks that want to operate these criminal businesses take anything from today is that my office and the law enforcement that you see up here, we use every resource we have to close 'em down. said Moore. “And I hope the message they take is its time to close up your doors and go somewhere else."
U.S. Attorney Michael Moore says the investigation is ongoing.
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