Police say two Lakewood spa businesses were tied to online ads, short-stay customers and a large cash seizure.
LAKEWOOD, Wash. — A Lakewood woman has been charged with running a prostitution operation out of two massage businesses, according to Pierce County court documents.
Prosecutors charged Thuy Thanh Bui Higginbotham on March 27 of organizing, managing or financing three or more people while profiting from prostitution between Nov. 25, 2025, and March 26, 2026.
According to court documents, Lakewood police spent about six months investigating Ocean Spa at 9615 Bridgeport Way SW and Rose Spa at 3711 Steilacoom Blvd. SW. Investigators wrote that both businesses were being used as fronts for prostitution.
Police said detectives contacted phone numbers listed on explicit online ads connected to the businesses and were told women were available at both locations.
Investigators also said that surveillance showed male customers making short visits, usually lasting about 20 to 30 minutes.
Search warrants were served at both businesses on March 26.
At Ocean Spa, investigators said they found living quarters they believed belonged to Higginbotham, along with stacks of cash, ledgers, business records, multiple phones and notes they said were tied to prostitution ads and services.
Evidence collected from the Ocean Spa included more than $45,000 in cash, documents showing Higginbotham as the primary manager for both businesses, and electronic devices.
Investigators also said they removed $1,020 from an ATM they believed was used by customers.
Court documents also says a woman connected to the Rose Spa told investigators she feared for her safety and was made to provide massages and cleaning services without pay.
On March 27, a judge set her bail at $500,000.
Prosecutors also said the investigation is ongoing and that charges could be added or changed later.
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