Operation Skin So Soft: Florida massage parlor bust leads to 21 arrests

In Polk County, Florida, an undercover operation named "Operation Skin So Soft" led to the arrest of 21 women at massage parlors across several towns, including Davenport, Dundee, Lakeland, and Winter Haven. 

The two-day sting, conducted by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, targeted massage parlors suspected of violating local and state regulations. Sheriff Grady Judd reported that 12 of the 22 parlors audited by officers were found in violation of laws, with some "therapists" allegedly soliciting sexual acts from undercover officers.

During a press conference, Sheriff Judd described incidents in which massage therapists reportedly offered sex acts for additional fees. In one case, a 37-year-old woman allegedly charged $60 for a massage before attempting to initiate sex with an officer and blocking his exit. Judd commented humorously on the incident, noting her small stature and efforts to restrain the officer.

The women arrested, aged 31 to 64, were all Chinese nationals, with three holding U.S. citizenship and the rest on work visas. Sheriff Judd emphasized the county’s coordination with federal authorities to revoke the visas of those involved, stating, "If you come here legally and violate the law, you’ve lost our trust and should be returned to your home country."

Other charges included improper record-keeping, with some establishments failing to comply with a new Florida law requiring documentation for therapists and customers. Judd suggested a possible network, noting that most of the women worked across multiple locations rather than at fixed establishments.

Sheriff Judd also issued a warning to potential patrons, or "johns," indicating that while not all massage parlors engaged in illegal conduct, any future violators could face public exposure as part of the county’s continued crackdown.