More than massages going on
By Daily Press staff
POLICE HEADQUARTERS — Charges have yet to be filed against a woman arrested earlier this month for allegedly running a house of prostitution on San Vicente Boulevard.
Patty Kim Louthain, 34, of Los Angeles, was arrested by Santa Monica Police vice detectives on April 2, after an undercover officer went to an apartment on the 400 block of San Vicente Boulevard asking for a massage, which was advertised on the Internet. When a woman inside solicited him for illegal sex, he signaled for a team of officers waiting outside to raid the apartment.
Police began the investigation after receiving a tip from a neighbor who had been noticing several men coming in and out of the apartment — day and night — while two or three women would show up on a daily basis, but leave at the end of the night.
The Web site, which advertised the location and services, included descriptions of offerings at the “massage” parlor. It includes escort services, sensual services and alternatives such as sadomasochism and fetishes. There also are headshots of the women and more revealing photos of them posing.
Louthain’s bail was set at $25,000. Chief Deputy City Attorney Betty Haviland said she is waiting for the case to be handed over by the SMPD.
Haviland expects to prosecute Louthain for keeping a house of ill fame and disorderly house. Two other women were cited for prostitution-related misdemeanors.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on April 14, 2004. Read the original PDF.