Eight suspected brothels, including the Oriental Spa South at 515 S. Maple Ave., were raided across the Spokane area today by a multi-agency law enforcement task force.

A yearlong investigation into widespread prostitution in Spokane County culminated Tuesday with raids at eight suspected brothels in what authorities say is an attempt to permanently close the longtime businesses. Complaints from Northern Quest Casino officials about prostitution activity prompted the Airway Heights Police Department to conduct undercover stings of suspected prostitutes who in turn agreed to work as confidential informants. Police learned of websites that advertised prostitution services and realized they were connected to business in Spokane that appear to be day spas and massage parlors but are actually fronts for brokered sex deals, said Lee Bennett, Airway Heights police chief. Meghann Cuniff, SR

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