Massage parlor worker remains in jail over immigration issues

By Ed Runyan

Immigration issues and criminal violations were found during a routine inspection, police said.

AUSTINTOWN — An employee of the Yo Shi Ko massage parlor on Mahoning Avenue remains in the Mahoning County Jail on federal immigration violations.

Ui Yong Kim, 39, of 5534 Mahoning Ave., was arrested June 3 after Austintown Police Detective Sgt. Jeff Solic made a routine inspection of the spa and found criminal and zoning violations.

Kim’s address is the same as the spa.

Kim was charged with wearing improper massage clothing and being an unlicensed massage employee, both misdemeanors. Solic said she was wearing revealing lingerie.

If convicted, Kim could be sentenced to six months in jail.

Kim was unable to produce any type of identification, and it was later determined she was wanted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents for immigration violations, Solic said.

Kim’s criminal cases were set for trial Wednesday in Mahoning County Court in Austintown, but they were reset to 1 p.m. July 14.

In addition to the criminal cases against Kim, Solic also found seven other zoning violations at the spa. They are:

n Linens, towels and other materials used in connection with administering massages must be kept in a closed cabinet.

USoiled linens, towels and other materials must be kept in properly covered containers separate from the clean storage area.

USeparate toilet facilities for patrons and employees of different sexes must be available.

UEach massage employee must display his or her license. Solic said Kim is not licensed.

UAll portions of the business must be clean.

UWalls, ceilings, floors, pools, showers, bathtubs, steam rooms and other facilities must be kept in good repair.

Solic said he’s not aware of the facility’s having been cited in the past. The business has been operating for at least 15 years, he said.

runyan@vindy.com