California Massage Parlors Shut Down, 1 Fined $2M

January 7, 2009

Five massage parlors in Arcadia, Calif., were shut down for alleged labor code violations include one location fined nearly $2 million.

Arcadia police accompanied California Employee Development Department and Department of Industrial Relations officials on Dec. 19 inspections of the facilities.

New Life Acupuncture was fined $1.83 million because employees didn't get pay stubs and workers' compensation insurance.

State labor commissioner Dean Fryer says employers are fined $250 each time an employee is paid. New Life's fines skyrocketed because workers were paid each time a massage was given.

Ocean Health Center, C.H. Health Center, Arcadia Spa and Best Health Center were fined up to $4,000 each for workers compensation violations.