3 arrested in massage parlor raid

11/3/2001

Three women were arrested on prostitution charges at Rose Blossom, Inc., which was closed last night by Sylvania Township police, in its third raid on the purported massage parlor since it opened at 8613 West Central Ave. in 1988.

Min Gallagher, 43, of Flushing, N.Y., and Kum Ok Thompson, 41, of Ann Arbor, Mich., were charged with prostitution, promoting prostitution, soliciting, and money laundering.

Rhone Chong Choi, 49, of Corpus Cove, Texas, who police said acted as the manager, was charged with promoting prostitution, soliciting, and money laundering.

Police simultaneously raided the Springfield Township apartment of Rose Blossom owner Insun Gilbert, but did not arrest her last night.

Police Chief Gary Copeland said officers investigated the massage parlor for nearly two years.

Chief Copeland said police hope to seize the house from which the Rose Blossom operates through forfeiture laws.

They plan to contact patrons of the business, which they estimate has annual revenues in the “high six figures.”

The minimum rate for 30 minutes is $40 at the business where symbols for most major credit cards were on the front door, Detective Sgt. Clarence Whalen said.

Police raided the parlor in 1993 and 1998 after prostitution investigations and the business appeared to be closed for a year after the 1998 raid, Chief Copeland said.

Township zoning officials and a fire investigator, a representative of the Toledo-Lucas County health department, and a dozen police officers were involved in the raid.

Police had a Korean interpreter there to talk to the women, who officials said know English but were likely to act as if they didn't when questioned.