5 women arrested in spa prostitution sting plead not guilty

Police say more arrests possible as inquiry continues into activities at spas.

SPRINGFIELD — Five women arrested on prostitution charges pleaded not guilty in Clark County Municipal Court on Thursday morning, Aug. 26, according to court records.

The following pleaded not guilty to charges of money laundering, pattern of corrupt activity and promoting prostitution. All women were ordered held on $100,000 bond:

• Min J. Delgado, 53, of Colorado.

• Yi B. An, 67, of Springfield.

• Kum Y. Starkweather, 56, of Illinois.

• Yong C. Monroe, 73, of Springfield.

• Young A. Coyer, 63, of Springfield.

Police executed search warrants Wednesday after a probe into the activities at two businesses, Miko’s Spa, 448 E. High St., and Tokyo Health Spa, 2201 S. Limestone St.

The arrests came after a 14-month investigation by the Springfield Police Division, FBI and the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation.

An anonymous tipster informed police in June 2009 of a website that was a forum where participants exchanged information about massage parlors nationwide, according to court documents.

The website included Miko’s Spa and Tokyo Health Spa in their database, and site users posted reviews of sexual services, according to court documents.

Police surveillance of the locations revealed that 224 men had visited Miko’s in the first 21 days of July, netting more than $21,000 in cash, according to court documents.

Police have said more arrests could come as the investigation progresses.

About the Author