Bad Disguise

I guess the large quantities of unused condoms gave it away:

The first hint that VIP Sauna might not be a legitimate massage business is the heavily fortified metal door leading into the establishment, said Detective Clark Luntsford of the Boone County Sheriff’s Department.

Not to mention the multiple locks on the door and outdoor surveillance cameras at the business, a battered A-frame at 5210 N. Highway 763. Luntsford said the real tip-offs, however, are the "house fee" - $40 for a half-hour massage and $60 for an hour massage - and the trash bag full of unused condoms, a grab bag for customers. "Normal massage parlors don’t keep condoms in bulk," he said.

Ya think?

Massage parlors dot the landscape in Columbia and don such names as "Foxy Sauna" and "Hong Kong Spa."  The one described above has been raided before but I don't casually recall others getting raided, and apparently for good reason:

Luntsford said that there are several similar "massage parlors" within the city limits but that VIP Sauna is the only Boone County one operating outside the city limits.

Columbia police Capt. Brad Nelson said investigation into such businesses in the city is generally done on a complaint basis.

"Frankly, there hasn’t been very many complaints," he said. "We have to prioritize with the staff we have."

Comments

[KipEsquire]

I wasn't aware that having a large metal door with numerous locks, or lots of condoms, was a crime, or even probable cause that a crime is being committed.

Perhaps its just an indicium or our collective Hellboundness, but many bars in NYC have baskets of free condoms for its customers. Does that mean they're sex clubs?

[Passer thru]

I have to say I really am grateful for how much freedom the brothels in Columbia experience. Any ofthe big Cities, Kansa City / St Louis. would have a lesser suscess rate