HAMMOND | City officials have rejected an appeal by owners of a Woodmar-area massage parlor raided by police last month to reopen their establishment.
The Board of Public Works and Safety revoked the license of Chicago businessman Fang Wei on Sept. 13 after an employee of his Tian Hao Full Body Work, 6806 Indianapolis Blvd., allegedly offered sexual favors to an undercover police officer in exchange for cash.
During a hearing Thursday on reinstatement of Fang's license to operate a massage therapy business in the city, company representatives argued Fang has been in China for the past month and wasn't aware of illegal activities at the site.
It was the first day on the job for the employee arrested and charged with prostitution in September, the representatives said. Her actions were contrary to company policy and she would not be returning to work there, they said.
In denying the company's appeal, the board ruled the apparent managerial negligence suggested the firm was not capable of safely operating a business in the city.
Tian Hao was open for less than three weeks, but police said several anonymous complaints were made alleging prostitution at the site, which prompted their investigation.
A 23-year-old Chicago woman was charged with prostitution after the raid. She's scheduled to be arraigned on the charge Friday in Hammond City Court.
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