One arrested in prostitution sting operation

By SILVIO J. PANTA

El Centro police arrested a 54-year-old Virginia resident tonight on suspicion of prositution during a sting operation at a 4th Street massage parlor, a sergeant said.

Folllowing two weeks of anonymous complaints about alleged prositution activity at the Silver Oriental Massage at 414 S. 4th St., officers with the El Centro Police Department's investigation unit had a plainclothes officer pose as a client and enter the business, said Sgt. Jeff Mason.

After a short period time, Mason said, the undercover officer was propositioned for a sexual act in exchange for money. It wasn't too long before police converged on the white single-story business and arrested Young Ok Y Kepilino, of Annandale, Va. "Kepilino was arrested on one count of prostitution," Mason said in a press statement. "She was booked into the Imperial County jail and her bail was set at $1,000." The suspect had no prior arrest record.

Another person, identified as Soonae Joo, a 52-year-old native of Montrose, was questioned and released at the scene. Joo was listed as the business owner on paperwork seized at the business and on business license documents filed with the city, Mason said.El Centro police credited the Department of Homeland Security, Inspector's General's Office for their technical assistance in the arrest.

"We will be working with officials at city hall, following up on the complaints we have received and looking into action against Joo's business license," Mason said.